School Friendly Zones extended to four more Angus primaries

The local authority's communities committee approved plans in May to place traffic restrictions on streets near Maisondieu in Brechin, Newtyle, Seaview in Monifieth and Muirfield in Arbroath in mornings and afternoons to help make sure pupils can arrive and leave school safely. Muirfield Primary School already has a School Friendly Zone on Timbergreens, and the current proposal is to implement the same on School Road.

The trial will last up to 18 months and will stop vehicles from entering the streets within certain times except for emergency services, residents with permits and blue badge holders.

It follows similar restrictions piloted at other schools across the county including Ferryden, Langlands in Forfar, Carlogie in Carnoustie and Southesk in Montrose.

Councillor Lynne Devine, children and learning convener, said: “These trials continue to be an opportunity to improve road safety while creating a safer, more relaxed atmosphere for children and families walking and cycling to school. I look forward to seeing the evaluation to see how effective they prove to be but more importantly seeing the difference this makes to the health and safety of our children attending school.”

Residents living on the affected streets can apply through Angus Council’s website for permits exempting them from restrictions.

It is hoped that while the scheme will be self-enforcing, Police Scotland will enforce the zones’ moving vehicle violation element, with fixed penalty notices issued to unpermitted vehicles entering the zone, past the upright signs during the restricted times.

The council's enforcement wardens will be enforcing the double yellow line element being introduced to ensure vehicles are not parked in inappropriate locations around the schools. Existing yellow lines and school markings within the zones and surrounding areas will still be enforced.

Anyone can object to the proposals provided the objection is received within the first six months of the restriction coming into force.

Before and during this trial, certain markers will be documented. These markers include air quality; traffic volumes; road accidents; congestion; and the uptake of active travel habits. Public perception of the proposals will also be taken into consideration when making the decision.

At the end of the trial, a report will be submitted to the council's Communities Committee where council staff will either recommended removing the scheme completely or to make it permanent, depending on the results of the trial markers.