‘Awful’ driving putting schoolchildren at risk

Claims parents have been driving and parking irresponsibly

Selfish parents have been criticised for putting pupils at risk with their bad driving at Arbroath’s showpiece primary schools campus.

A couple of weeks after the doors to Abbey View opened, Hayshead Parent Council has highlighted a litany of irresponsible parking at the beginning and end of the school day.

Local councillors, including the authority’s education convener, have slammed the safety risk and say stricter controls are already being considered.

Hayshead shares Abbey View with St Thomas Primary in the newlycompleted £14.1 million development.

Hayshead Parent Council said a number of parents had complained about the morning traffic situation. In a statement, the group said: “Despite notifications and clear instructions, we are still having cars parking in the dropoff zone with adults leaving the car.

“There have also been examples of reckless driving causing huge concern for parents.

“We understand that everyone is still adapting to the new build, but children’s safety has to be of paramount importance.”

The parent body has also issued a reminder that disabled bays at the school should only be used by blue badge holders.

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We understand that everyone is still adapting to the new build, but children’s safety has to be of paramount importance. HAYSHEAD PARENT COUNCIL

Councillor Derek Wann, the council’s children and learning committee convener, said: “The new Abbey View Campus is a fantastic facility and the feedback from the pupils and teachers is great.

“It will take a little time to get used to the entrance and new arrangements for dropping off of pupils, however I would urge all parents and carers, when dropping off their children, to park up safely, ensuring that every child is safe when going to school.

“I have been past the area a few times at school pick-up and the parking in some instances has been awful – we are looking at ways of ensuring this is better policed.”

Ward colleague independent councillor Lois Speed said: “I know how challenging morning routines can be, especially when time is limited, which in turn can influence our travel choices.

“However, I would like to encourage active travel methods such as walking and cycling when at all possible, particularly for short journeys.

“Pedestrian safety has to be our top priority and the misuse of disabled spaces and unsafe parking is completely unacceptable.”

Problem parking recently led another Angus primary to make a successful bid for stricter controls over its car park.

Following a trial period, during which cars were banned from the car park at Whitehills in Forfar at the peak morning and afternoon periods, the school’s parent partnership won council approval to police their own parking, with the lifting of a planning condition requiring the school gates to stay open throughout the day.