Joey’s banner aims to make roads safer around Gartconner Primary

Date: 
Friday, 8 September, 2017

Six year old Joey from Gartconner Primary speaks for all pupils at the Kirkintilloch school in his newly unveiled banner urging people to ‘Be Cool – Walk to School’.
 
Parking at the school has become a concern for pupils, teachers and parents alike with inconsiderate drivers stopping on the zig-zags and at junctions, blocking access for pedestrians.
 
To raise awareness of the problem, the school worked with the Council’s Community Safety team to run a poster competition among pupils. Joey’s winning poster design now features on a ten foot banner on the railings at the front of the school.
 
He said, “If there weren’t so many cars at the school it would be easier to cross the road and a bit less scary.”
 
Unveiling Joey’s colourful banner, Councillor Jim Gibbons, Convener of the Council’s Place, Neighbourhood & Corporate Assets Committee, said, “We all see inconsiderate and selfish parking, particularly at schools and as a driving instructor and parent I have seen it regularly. With a bit of forward planning, the journey to and from school could be safer for other road users and pedestrians.
 
“There can be no stronger message than for the children themselves to ask us to examine our behaviour and do better. Joey’s design is brilliant and hopefully drivers around the school will take heed of the message and consider walking at least part of their journey.”
 
Joey was presented with gift vouchers for his winning design.
 
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