To improve safety in school zones, the Town of Cary has begun installing warning flashers and signs at all its public schools.

Town crews have started installing 62 flashers that are designed to alert motorists of the school zones and the speed limits within those zones. The installation will continue throughout the summer and should be completed by the start of the traditional school year in August, according to town officials.

School zone speeds are in effect 30 minutes before and 30 minutes after school hours; speeding violations within school zones carry a $50 fine plus court costs.

"The safety of our children is of the utmost importance," said Deputy Chief of Police Barry Nickalson. "Motorists are strongly advised to slow down as they approach school zones, abide by speed limits, and be on the lookout for students who may not be paying attention to traffic."

The nearly 14-foot tall combined flasher and sign display the speed limit. An amber warning flasher above the sign helps heighten awareness of the speed limits.

The installation is a result of an in-depth review of pedestrian safety and traffic volumes near Green Hope High School following two car crashes involving pedestrians near the school in August and September 2006.

"These accidents were sad and difficult for everyone involved, and we're hopeful that the new signs will make a real difference in motorists' behavior around schools," said Nickalson.

The Town's recommendations included lowering the speed limits in school zones by 10 mph, with no speed less than 25 mph. The Council also approved a $260,000 from the Town's Transportation Capital Project fund to install the signs and other warning measures.

So far, Town crews have already installed six signs at two Cary schools: Green Hope High and Cary High.