Drivers Urged to Be Safe Around Schools

As the new school year starts parents and carers are being reminded to drive and park safely around schools to keep children safe. 

Children from Ss Peter and Paul RC Primary School are unveiling a new message to encourage drivers to drive and park responsibly at drop off and pick up times to reduce the danger to children. 

The council work with pupils and parents at primary schools to encourage active travel to school by walking or wheeling.  

Safer routes to school maps are being refreshed to highlight safe walking routes and encourage parents who need to drive to try ‘parking and striding’ - driving most of the way but walking the last bit to reduce congestion and improve safety around schools.  

The council is also working with the Ancrum Outdoor Centre and Active Schools Coordinators to run walking buses at several schools across the city to support children walking to school. 

In addition, a School Streets initiative is in place at several schools across the city, where there is a part-time prohibition of driving at school drop-off and pick-up times on school days.  

Since this scheme was introduced the percentage of children being driven to school has dropped with a similar increase in those walking and wheeling to school.  

Children, Families and Communities Convener Cllr Stewart Hunter said: "As a new school year is under way, we are asking drivers to be considerate when around schools to keep children safe.  

"We would encourage all young people to take a more sustainable approach to travelling to school. The health and environmental impact of leaving the car at home is significant too.  

"It is vital that we all work together to create a safe environment as our children make their way to and from school.  

"We have several initiatives across the city to do this and highlight safe walking routes to school, park and stride areas around schools, and encourage active forms of travel." 

Fair Work, Economic Growth and Infrastructure Convener Cllr Steven Rome said: "We want to continue to support families and children to make active travel choices to get to and from school – whether that is walking, cycling or by scooter.  

"There are several benefits to doing this, including making it safer for children, reducing congestion around schools, and encouraging our children to be more active.  

"We are also working to cut down harmful emissions around schools and key to this is reducing the number of cars near our schools."

Sgt Kirsten Kiddie, Police Scotland said: "Safety around our schools is important and children need to feel safe when travelling to and from school.  

"Drivers should be aware of parking and driving restrictions and adhere to the signage. Police Scotland will continue to work alongside and support partners and Initiatives to make sure this remains a priority."

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