East Dunbartonshire Council will be introducing phase two of its Traffic-Free Schools project at three new schools from 14 August in a bid to increase child and pedestrian safety.
Traffic-Free Schools is an initiative where driving is prohibited on sections of road immediately outside the entrance to schools, for a short period of time at the start and end of the school day.
This can improve safety by reducing the volume of vehicles parked and moving around at the busiest areas for children and adults accessing the school. It can also make places more attractive for walking, wheeling and cycling thereby encouraging more journeys to be made in this way.
Three locations have been selected for phase two – Lennoxtown Primary School, Meadowburn Primary School in Bishopbriggs and Thomas Muir Primary School in Bishopbriggs.
View the maps of areas included in the restricted zones.
The second phase of the project – which will run until the schools finish up for next year’s summer break (Thursday 25 June 2026) - will prohibit driving at selected roads - adjacent to the schools between 8.30 and 9.15am and 2.30 and 3.15pm on Monday to Friday during term time.
This follows the permanent implementation of the scheme at Clober Primary School in Milngavie, Craighead Primary School in Milton of Campsie and the shared St Matthew’s and Wester Cleddens Primary School campus in Bishopbriggs after the success of the first phase of the project.
Results from the first phase showed positive road safety outcomes for children and their families travelling to/from school.
Councillor Paul Ferretti, Convener of the Council's Place, Neighbourhood and Corporate Assets Committee, said, “It was great to see such positive results from the first pilot phase, which has seen a significant reduction in traffic volumes, a reduction in noise pollution and an increase in walking, cycling and wheeling to schools.
By restricting access to areas around the schools during set times, it will help improve road safety and create a happier, safer and more pleasant environment for pupils, carers, staff and neighbouring residents alike
“If you are not exempt, please help your local school community be safer and healthier and consider travelling by alternative means. If you require to drive during these times, then please plan an alternative route and ensure you park safely and considerately outside of the restricted zones.”
To support the development of the project and assist with monitoring its effectiveness, the Council has consulted with school senior management teams and with Police Scotland. A survey was also carried out in recent months, which was responded to by school staff, parents/carers and local residents.
In addition, baseline traffic and parking counts have been undertaken along with awareness raising activities.
Access will be maintained at all times for permit holders (including residents and local businesses), blue-badge holders and permitted vehicles.
Permitted vehicles include:
- Emergency workers, health visitors and carers
- School buses and contract taxis
- Postal and delivery vehicles
- Utility company vehicles serving properties in the area
- Council vehicles such as bin lorries
- Vehicles to be used in connection with wedding and funeral operations.
Anyone violating these restrictions will be committing an offence and eligible for a £50 fixed fine from Police Scotland, who will be responsible for enforcing the scheme.
Existing parking restrictions will remain unaffected while residents and local businesses will automatically receive one vehicle permit per property with the option to apply for more, free of charge.
To discuss any part of this project further, you can contact the Traffic and Transport team by email at TrafficFreeSchools@eastdunbarton.gov.uk or by phoning 0300 123 4510 and asking to speak to the Traffic and Transport team.
Full details of the pilot – including a list of frequently asked questions – can be found on the Council’s Traffic-Free Schools webpage.
