Demand to postpone new Coupar traffic zone

Plan could see pupils forced to use busy road

Concerned locals have hit out at plans to introduce a new traffic exclusion zone in Coupar Angus next week.

This could result in dozens of primary school pupils having to cross the busy road near to where toddler Harlow Edwards was tragically killed.

The new scheme, which was signed off by Perth and Kinross Council officials in August, will ban vehicles from School Road, Townhead and Princeland Road in Coupar Angus during certain times of the day.

Parents are understood to be encouraged to use a ‘park and stride’ scheme using the car park at Larghan Park instead.

However, this will mean that pupils, their parents and siblings will have to cross the Forfar Road to get to the school.

The issue was raised at the latest meeting of the Town Team, held in Coupar Angus last week, which saw those gathered express concerns about the proposal.

Speaking to the Blairie, Wendy McCombes – chair of Coupar Angus and Bendochy Community Council – said: “We are concerned that no thought has been given to how this scheme is going to be implemented in practice and yet it is due to get under way next week.

“No one seems to have been given much information about the scheme, which will supposedly see a 20 mile-an-hour speed restriction in force on Forfar Road during the periods when School Road is closed, and pupils are being encouraged to walk to school.

“I have written to Bernadette Malone, the chief executive of Perth and Kinross Council, urging her to postpone the trial in Coupar Angus until such time as the speed restrictions are in place and residents feel confident about crossing Forfar Road.

“We have waited so long for speed restrictions in the town but it seems crazy to implement this scheme without first having the safety improvements on Forfar Road tried and tested and without having the confidence of those people who will be using the crossing.”

Under the £12,000 test scheme, which is also due to take place at three other schools in Perthshire – including Burrelton, Arngask and Luncarty – routes may be closed at school drop-off and pick-up times, with no access for 30-45 minutes before and after the schools start and end.

Only cars with a permit will be able to approach the restricted area, which will be signposted with large flashing lights. Exemptions will apply to residents, local businesses, Blue Badge holders and emergency services, school buses and utility companies undertaking emergency repairs.

Councillors agreed to the principle of the 18-month test scheme in March after a similar move was introduced in Edinburgh and the Lothians, with the results of the Perthshire trial to be reviewed before potentially being applied to other schools in the local authority area.

The first tranche of establishments are all said to have a history of road safety concerns, but also have suitable alternatives such as ‘park and stride’ capability in place.

In a statement, a spokesperson for the local authority said: “Perth and Kinross Council is introducing school exclusion zones at four primary schools across Perth and Kinross starting from Tuesday, November 1.

“Vehicles will not be able to drive in, out or around school streets when the scheme is in operation. The scheme will run for an initial period of 18 months.”

The statement continued: “The zones are to be implemented at these locations due to the ongoing road safety issues caused by drivers bringing their vehicles too close to the school gate.

“Large signs will be placed at the entrance to the zone and they will have flashing lights to indicate when the scheme is in operation.

“The scheme will be in operation during term time only and will operate from 8.15am to 9am and 2.45pm to 3.30pm.

“Local residents living and businesses operating within the streets that are closed will still have access and should apply for a resident’s permit, which must be placed on the windscreen of their car.

“Blue Badge holders, emergency service vehicles and contract school transport will also be permitted access when the scheme is in operation.”

Perth and Kinross Council was asked to respond to calls by Coupar Angus and Bendochy Community Council for the scheme to be delayed in light of recent events but had not responded by the time the Blairie went to press on Tuesday this week.