Traffic ban is bid to boost safety at school

TRAFFIC will be banned around a school in Perth during peak times as part of a bid to improve children’s safety.

A vehicle exclusion zone will be imposed around Viewlands Primary School from next month, with rules to be enforceable by police.

From June 1 until the summer holidays, a trial traffic ban will be in place on weekdays from 8.30-9.15am and 2.30-3.45pm.

Exclusion zones are designed to make roads safer for children going to and from school, but they are also designed to encourage children and parents to walk or cycle.

The trial is the latest in a series of similar schemes introduced at schools across the region, some of which have proved more successful than others.

Craigie residents recently branded motorists “a disgrace” after it was found some drivers were ignoring restrictions around Inchview Primary School.

Mark Butterworth, head of environmental and consumer services for Perth and Kinross Council, said: “This exclusion zone is the largest to be rolled out within Perth and Kinross, and this trial will allow us to ensure that the measures will achieve the best outcome for the school and residents within the zoned area.

“It is important to remember that this is a pilot project at the moment, which will include assessing the impact on the local residents who live just outside the exclusion zone, and therefore further changes may be made as the project progresses.”

Residents within the exclusion zone are eligible for an access permit, and the relevant paperwork has already been issued to school staff, carers and other essential users.

Drivers will be required to display the permit when entering or leaving the zone during the restricted period.

Infrastructure has been put in place to enhance the safety bid, including flashing amber beacons.