Families call for action on ‘dangerous driving’
WORRIED families are pleading for action to clamp down on “dangerous” drivers who are endangering the safety of children at a Barrhead primary school.
Councillor Chris Lunday said the problem has been raised by a number of people living near Cross Arthurlie Primary, as well as by parents.
There have been complaints about motorists performing dangerous manoeuvres on Fern Drive, Whin Avenue and Gorse Drive.
Cllr Lunday, who represents Barrhead, Liboside and Uplawmoor, said: “This issue is common at a lot of our schools, particularly when housing is so close by.
“It is important that parents, pupils and residents take care near the school.
“There are a number of residents who have had issues with cars parking over their drive, which has left them unable to leave, and also people performing dangerous manoeuvres close to the school gates.”
In a bid to help ease the pressure caused by increased traffic at drop-off and pick-up times, the SNP man has contacted East Renfrewshire Council to ask that community wardens stage regular patrols on streets near the school.
“I hope that increased visibility and presence of the community wardens will deter dangerous driving and allow for children to get to school safely and for residents to feel safer,” said Councillor Lunday.
Dangerous driving and irresponsible parking have been issues at a number of schools in the Barrhead area in recent times.
These include St John’s Primary, where work being carried out by Scottish Water at a path between Stewart Street and Commercial Road has added to the problem.
A council spokesperson told the Barrhead News: “We are aware of reports of inconsiderate parking at schools and it is very disappointing that this practice continues.
“Road safety is a priority for the council and we ask anyone picking up or dropping off at a school to remember that irresponsible parking is dangerous for other road users, in particular pedestrians and cyclists.
“We urge everyone to park appropriately, to make sensible, responsible decisions when deciding where to stop their car and not cause obstructions for other road users or residents.
“Our community safety officers regularly patrol all areas in East Renfrewshire where parking restrictions are in place and will issue fines to any vehicle not adhering to the rules.”