CIVIC leaders went back to school this week - for a lesson in road safety.

They joined pupils, parents and teachers to try out the new £65,000 traffic calming measures around Bridport Primary School.

Introduced as part of the county council's Safer Routes To School scheme they include new 20mph zones, pinch points and speed humps.

And the nearby Coop supermarket has provided a new "park and walk" facility for driving parents.

The scheme was requested by the school as part of its school travel plan and supported by many residents.

The plan aims to encourage fewer car trips on the school run and to create a safer environment for vulnerable pedestrians and cyclists in the immediate vicinity of the school.

Bridport Primary School headteacher Ruth Clench said: "There is a significant impact on the speed of cars travelling along St Andrew's Road as a result of the new scheme.

"Parents have already commented that the pavements are much safer for pedestrians. As more pupils ride their bikes to school now it is obviously a safer environment for them too."

Bill Green, Dorset County Council's project manager for the scheme, added: "This scheme is designed to improve safety and alter parents' travel to school patterns by alleviating the congestion which builds up outside school.

"We want to encourage and provide opportunities for parents to accompany their children to and from school on foot. If they have no alternative but to use the car, then we want them to park further away and walk.

"We are extremely pleased with the Coop's response and its support for this safer routes to school community project."

Among local VIPs who joined the walk to school on Tuesday morning were county councillors Ron Coatsworth and Sandra Brown, Mayor Geoff Ackerman and district councillor Martin Ray.

Coun Brown said: "I am extremely pleased that the county council has been able to fund this scheme, which will make it safer for children attending Bridport Primary School."

Staff from the Coop store handed out fruit to youngsters at the launch, to encourage healthy eating as well as safe walking.

Cooperative Group regional chief officer David Parker said: "The store has made the southern part of its car park available for driving parents, to ease congestion near the school during peak times. As a responsible retailer we are always looking for ways to work with, and benefit, local communities. This scheme should make a real difference and we are delighted to be part of it."

* A similar traffic calming scheme is due to be installed outside St Mary's Primary School at Skilling during the summer holidays.