Parents have said they fear for their children’s safety due to the number of large lorries using a road outside an East Renfrewshire school.
The vehicles are said to be a frequent presence in front of Neilston Primary as hundreds of pupils pour in and out of the school gates.
In one recent incident, a lorry was left stuck in traffic across a pedestrian crossing near the school as kids waited to reach the other side.
Jason Connelly is so concerned that he decided to write to the school, reports our sister title The Barrhead News.
The former traffic enforcement officer, who is now a chartered health and safety practitioner said: “The traffic is horrendous. It’s carnage.
“A lorry tried to make a delivery when the kids were coming out and tried to squeeze himself in and expected the kids to get out the way.”
Residents say the problem has been worse since work to build a new learning campus that will bring Neilston Primary, St Thomas’ Primary and the Madras Family Centre together on a shared site began a few months ago.
Councillor Andrew Morrison, who represents Neilston, said he has been made aware of concerns about apparent breaches of a traffic management plan put in place as a condition of planning permission for the site.
“I was sent photos of children coming out of school whilst movement of heavy plant was taking place, which is contrary to the traffic management plan specifically put in place to ensure the safety of the pupils,” he added.
“The new Neilston Learning and Leisure Campus will be a fantastic resource for the village and I know everyone wants to see this being completed as soon as possible but that must be within the confines set by the planning department.”
Malcolm Briggs, a member of Neilston Community Council, said he has frequently seen the road being used by articulated lorries destined for a nearby business.
“It doesn’t seem a good mix for them to be doing that when all the kids are coming out of school,” he added.
“The drivers are being very responsible but it’s the physical size of these things that means they are stopping over the zebra crossing.”
Mr Briggs also voiced fears the situation could worsen after planning permission was granted for a new quarry at Dareduff Hill, in East Ayrshire.
He added: “There are potentially up to 100 trucks a day, I’ve heard, could go up and down that road, right in front of the school.
“A lot of people are concerned about it.”
A spokesperson for East Renfrewshire Council said: “Restrictions remain in place on contractor delivery times to ensure large vehicle traffic is kept away from the school at drop-off and pick-up times and these are being adhered to.
“Parents have also been reminded about the ongoing construction works and the restrictions currently in place around the school and are being encouraged to be mindful of these and park considerately.”
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