A TRAFFIC-FREE Schools pilot scheme will begin at four East Dunbartonshire schools this month. 

The initiative aims to increase child and pedestrian safety and will see driving 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.

East Dunbartonshire Council has confirmed the pilot will be in place at 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. 

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The scheme will run until Wednesday, December 20, 2024 and will prohibit driving on selected roads adjacent to the school between 8.30am and 9.15am and 2.30pm 3.15pm on Monday to Friday during term time. 

This can improve safety by removing the volume of vehicles parked and moving around at the busiest areas for children and adults accessing the schools and it can make places more attracting for walking, wheeling and cycling thereby encouraging more journeys to be made this way. 

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Cllr 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."

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To support the development of the project and assist with monitoring its effectiveness, the council has consulted with school senior management teams and Police Scotland. 

A survey has been carried out in recent months and baseline traffic and parking counts have been undertaken along with awareness raising materials and working with schools on support projects such as increased cycle parking. 

Cllr 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 business), blue badge holders and permitted vehicles, including school buses and contract taxis, emergency workers, health visitors and carers, postal and delivery vehicles and council vehicles such as bin lorries. 

Anyone violating the restrictions will be eligible for a £50 fixed fine from Police Scotland who will be responsible for enforcing the scheme.