Car-free zones at primary schools

Cars are to be banned outside seven schools in Glasgow in an effort to improve road safety for children.

A pilot scheme will create temporary pedestrian areas during busy periods in the morning and afternoon to help pupils arrive and leave school safely.

The primary schools – Bankhead, Broomhill, Hillhead, Lourdes, Our Lady of the Rosary, St Blane’s and Toryglen – have been earmarked to participate in the scheme.

Glasgow City Council is seeking to hear views on the plans from a range of individuals and bodies, including head teachers, parent councils and Police Scotland.

Chris Cunningham, city convenor for education, skills and early years, said calls from affected communities for a safer environment outside schools had driven forward the plans.

Mr Cunningham said: “We have to go one step further to protect our children. Car-free zones outside schools can create safe spaces for young people at key points of the school day.”

A starting date for the school car-free zones is yet to be confirmed, although it is expected that the trial period will last for up to 18 months.

Indicators for the success of the project will include reductions in congestion, speed of traffic around school gates and any increase in the number of children walking and cycling to school.