SAFETY work is set to start on a busy dual carriageway where two school crossing patrols were forced off the road by speeding drivers.

Traffic islands will be installed on the hatched areas near to the school crossing in Birmingham Road, Kidderminster following consultation with local Worcestershire county councillors and residents.

Dangerous manoeuvres by drivers, such as exceeding the 40mph speed limit and driving illegally in a hatched lane, had led to several near-misses for the “lollipop” workers.

The authority was forced to remove them for two days last month while they carried out safety checks on the dual carriageway.

Parents and teachers of Offmore Primary School were left angered by their removal as they claimed they were only informed 30 minutes before the end of the school day.

The lane has now been coned off in a bid to stop drivers using it, allowing the patrol duo to return to work safely.

Work is expected to start today and should be completed within two to three days. Improved warning signs will also be installed on the A456 at a later date.

Conservative county councillor John Smith, cabinet member with responsibility for highways and transport, said: “We are very pleased to see plans are in place to improve the crossing used by Offmore School over the half-term week.

“These works will result in the prevention of unsafe overtaking, which has been a hazard for both children using the school crossing and for crossing patrol staff.”