SCHOOL RUN ROAD WARNING
Parent sees three ‘near-misses’ around campus
Worried parents have described traffic congestion in the vicinity of Blairgowrie Community Campus as an “accident waiting to happen”.
A number of complaints have been made about inconsiderate parking and the volume of vehicles around the site, which is home to Newhill Primary School and St Stephen’s RC Primary School, since the start of the new school term.
Existing issues have reportedly been compounded by the temporary closure of Elm Drive and additional traffic to construction sites at both Maple Place and Perth Road.
One parent, who asked not to be named, said he saw what he described as three “near- misses” as children made their way home from school one afternoon last week.
He said: “The traffic has been horrendous since the schools have
gone back – it’s been bad for years but all the roadworks and construction traffic is making it worse.
“I contacted the council after I saw three near-misses with cars nearly hitting children. They told me to contact the police. Something needs to be done because it’s an accident waiting to happen.”
Another parent, who also wished to remain anonymous, contacted the Blairie to say he had witnessed frustrated motorists being abusive towards each other and the school crossing patroller.
He said: “It’s out of order. I’ve seen two or three cars ignoring the diversion signs as well. It’s so congested at times people can’t see what’s what – I’ve heard shouting, swearing and all sorts. People have also been abusive towards the crossing patroller too, which is completely uncalled for.”
Blairgowrie and Glens councillor Caroline Shiers, who is also the convener of Perth and Kinross Council’s lifelong learning committee, visited the area on Friday morning last week.
She said: “I would encourage patience while these roadworks are undertaken. The construction of these houses and creation of the new road was always going to be a challenging time, particularly at pick-up and drop-off times.
“The diversion routes are clearly marked but drivers need to keep their speeds down in that area, as they always should anyway given the proximity to the campus.
“The school exclusion zone plans are due to be enacted in the next few weeks and I know council officers are liaising with the schools.
“I have contacted the police and asked them to pay some attention to the area. Ultimately, though, we need all road users to be aware of the ongoing work and to drive and park safely around all our schools.”
Police Scotland Chief Inspector Graham Binnie, the local area commander, said: “We are aware of concerns in the area and all road users have responsibility to take extra care in and around schools to ensure the safety of children. Local officers, along with officers from the road policing unit, have given attention to the area from before the summer break and will continue to do so.
“I would like to remind motorists that, when parking to drop-off or pick-up at school, always give careful consideration to where you park – preferably, make it a distance away from the school itself and do not park on the zig-zag lines outside the school entrance.’’