Trio of Perth head teachers issue plea to school run parents.

Heads ask for an end to ‘concerning driving habits’ outside their schools

Headteachers have appealed for calm, amid growing concerns about traffic chaos outside three neighbouring Perth schools.

A plea has gone out to parents urging them to make children’s safety a priority during busy drop-off and pick-up times.

The strongly-worded letter, which highlights “concerning driving habits” of parents, has been signed by heads at Perth Academy, Fairview and Viewlands Primary.

It comes as local parents groups propose a one-way system and waiting restrictions along Oakbank Crescent. Calls for increased safety follow a “near miss” involving a Viewlands pupil earlier this year.

The letter to parents states: “Those of you who come to school at the start and/ or end of the school day will be aware of the congestion, parking issues and, at times, concerning driving habits of parents/relatives of both Viewlands and Perth Academy pupils.

“This is compounded by the number of taxis and school buses all converging on us at the one time.”

Reminding parents and carers that “children’s safety and well-being must be everyone’s priority”, the headteachers go on to issue advice to drivers including the warning, in bold, capital letters: “SLOW DOWN”.

They are asked to drop children off “a little distance” from the main gates, allowing them to walk to crossing patrollers.

Parents are also reminded to get pupils to school in good time “negating the need to drop off as close to a school entrance as possible, due to time pressures”.

The letters continues: “The issue of traffic in and around our schools is being taken up by our parent councils and with Perth and Kinross Council.

“By working together we can make going to and leaving school safe for all of our children.”

During 2015, Perth Academy recorded two near misses and one collision involving a pupil.

In August, a 13-year-old boy was struck by a car in an apparent hit and run incident on Viewlands Terrace. He was walking to lessons on the first day of the new school term when he was knocked down.

The incident raised concerns about speeding vehicles at the start and end of the school day.

The Oakbank, Burghmuir and Viewlands area of Perth has a population of around 5,000, with pupils, staff, parents and others congregating at school times within half a square mile area.

Local Lib Dem councillor Willie Wilson said: “I’ve been discussing this issue with the schools and local residents.

“The council’s road safety team have been asked to bring forward proposals to improve the situation and we hope to have these ready by early next year.”

The council’s road safety team have been asked to bring forward proposals to improve the situation. COUNCILLOR WILLIE WILSON

Picture: Angus Findlay. Congestion outside Perth Academy.