A Traffic-Free Schools pilot scheme that aims to increase child and pedestrian safety will begin at four East Dunbartonshire schools this month.
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 the pilot – 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.
Maps of the areas included in the restricted zones are attached on the Council’s Webpage.
The scheme – which will run until the schools finish up for next year’s Christmas break (Wednesday 20 December 2024) - 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.
Councillor Paul Ferretti, Convener of the Council's Place, Neighbourhood and Corporate Assets Committee, said, “The Council - in its Parking Management Plan which was approved in 2022 - set out its commitment to improve road safety and the surrounding environment outside schools for pupils, carers and neighbouring residents.
“By restricting these areas to moving motor vehicle traffic during set times, we hope it will encourage a healthier lifestyle and an increase in walking, cycling and wheeling to schools.
“This should lead to improvements in the air quality and a reduction in noise pollution helping to deliver a happier, safer and more pleasant environment for everyone.”
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 materials and working with schools on supporting projects such as increased cycle parking.
Councillor Ferretti added, “Over 340 people responded to the survey, with 66% of respondents telling us that they were positive or very positive about its introduction.
“This provides the project with a strong foundation of support to build on to help ensure that road safety outside of the four schools can be improved over the coming months.”
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.
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