School car free zones to be trialled in Glasgow

Glasgow City Council will be trialling car free zones around seven primary schools to improve road safety for children and reduce their exposure to harmful emissions.

The scheme would see temporary pedestrian areas created outside the seven schools for limited periods in the morning and afternoon.

The pilot programme follows a series of concerns such as poor and risky driving outside schools, obstructive parking that forces pupils on to the road as well as the issues created by congestion and harmful emissions.

The proposals for streets around Bankhead, Broomhill, Hillhead, Lourdes, Our Lady of the Rosary, St Blane's and Toryglen primary schools are currently being consulted upon by the council. Views are being sought from the council's Education Services, head teachers, parent councils, community councils, elected members, Police Scotland and other members of the community.

The eligibility for involvement in the scheme considers the school's location on the road network - the school entrance shouldn't open on to a bus route for instance. But also that there should be reasonable scope for the surrounding area to cope with displaced traffic.

A starting date for the school car free zones has still to be confirmed. It is anticipated that the trial period will last for up to 18 months.

Indicators for the success of the project will include a reduction in congestion and speed of traffic around school gates and increase in the number of children walking and cycling to school alongside a reduction in the number of car trips to school.