Moves to address traffic chaos fears near school

THE city council today insisted it was going to great lengths to ensure residents’ fears of traffic “chaos” at the new Harris Academy are allayed.

A number of locals have been in touch with councillors to express concerns about parking and pupil safety on Perth Road, close to where the new school has been built.

There are fears that new double yellow lines will fail to stop parents parking nearby to drop off kids, while at the same time leaving local residents with nowhere for visitors to leave their vehicles.

Some have also said they’re concerned about the safety of pupils using a busy main road to access the school.

A spokesman for the local authority told the Tele that the safety of pupils was “paramount” and outlined efforts to ensure that traffic arrangements run smoothly when the school returns in two weeks.

He said: “Bus drop-off and pickup bays were created directly outside the school when Perth Road was resurfaced earlier this year.

“We have been working closely with Xplore Dundee and Stagecoach and have also promoted a number of options like smartphone apps that can assist with travel planning.

“A detailed leaflet has been produced by the council outlining a range of travel options for pupils which include public transport, walking and cycling.

“Lighting on footways has been improved in areas like Balgay Park and Western Cemetery and the school has storage facilities for more than 100 bikes.

“Cycle training will also be offered by pupils to stress safe travel.

“Planning for the new Harris Academy has also included detailed analysis of likely travel patterns to try and minimise disruption locally.

“There has been an extensive review of traffic management and parking restrictions in the wider vicinity around the school in readiness for the return to Perth Road and the changes have been implemented ready for the new term.

“Council officers have been discussing the issues in detail with community representatives.”

Residents Graeme and Lynda Closs are among those who have concerns.

Mr Closs says he thinks parents may flout the yellow lines because they’ll only be parked for a few minutes, whereas visitors to local houses will be forced to find longer-stay parking elsewhere.

He said: “The lines have been painted outside our property. They’re actually right across the entrance gates and drive to our house.

“We did not receive any notification of the lines being painted so we any no opportunity to give our views.

“It means people visiting us will not be able to park anywhere near our house.

“But I don’t think the new yellow lines will stop people who are going to the school parking outside our gates. There could be chaos.”

An aerial image of the new school, taken by photographer Jim Crosby.