West Coats campaign is on the right road
JONATHAN GEDDES
West Coats Primary pupils and their parents continue to campaign against dangerous drivers.
The school’s parent council held its latest road safety event last week, emphasising how locals can do their bit to help keep the pupils safe.
Parents have consistently complained in recent years about poor parking and cars driving close to the school to drop children off, running the risk of hitting other youngsters in the process.
And the parent council is hoping to take forward a road travel plan later this year – depending on support from South Lanarkshire Council.
Parent council member Ross Parker said: “We had record numbers of parent, staff and child volunteers who gave up their free time to make a positive impact on road safety awareness.
“The pupils who took part were an absolute credit to their families and the school, and I can’t thank them all enough for their hard work.
“We are also very lucky to have two of the best lollipop men in the area - John and Brian.”
The event meant that roads were quieter than usual because parents and carers walked to school or parked a bit further away, making a positive difference to congestion at drop off and collection times.
Mr Parker continued: “And when parents, teachers or pupils held discussions with drivers who could have made a better choice when parking near the school the feedback was mostly very positive. which was great.
“We also took the opportunity to carry out a number of surveys which are required to complete our school travel plan.
“There are a number of historical issues which we have been campaigning to improve and these are now officially highlighted in the plan; some as simple as erecting the correct signage for the drop off bays, yellow zig zags and double yellows, so that these can then be enforceable.”
He added: “We are now relying on the council to provide support and act on the required improvements to keep the children safe on their journey to school.”