Park Safe Message Ahead of New Term

As the new school term starts on Monday (Oct 26) parents and carers are being reminded to drive and park safely around schools to keep children safe.  

The council is also reminding drivers that they could face police action if they do not observe restrictions in place around primaries covered by the School Streets initiative.   

There is part-time prohibition of driving at drop-off and pick-up times during term time in clearly signposted exclusion zones at these schools.  

It is illegal to drive during morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up times unless you hold a valid permit to enter the zone. 

The zones were introduced to improve road safety and air quality, reduce congestion and inconsiderate parking, and encourage more pupils to walk, wheel or cycle to school.   

Full details on the scheme and the schools covered can be found on the council’s website here 

Council transport lead Cllr Siobhan Tolland 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.  

 “Parents and carers who drive into these zones have no excuses - they cannot continue to claim ignorance about safety measures around schools which are clearly signposted, have been in operation for several years and are repeatedly communicated to them via school newsletters.  

“Can I please ask parents not to drive in the school exclusion zones. I am worried that if motorists don’t pay attention, then it will be children who suffer the consequences."                                

Children and Families Convener Cllr Stewart Hunter said: “As a new term gets under way, we are asking drivers to be considerate when around schools to keep children safe.   

“We would encourage all young people to persuade their parents 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.”   

At every school, parents and carers are being encouraged to use active and sustainable travel wherever possible.  

Safer routes to school maps 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 part to reduce congestion and improve safety around schools.