A pilot scheme to ban parking outside city primary schools has led to an increase in the number of pupils walking to school, according to a report to the city council’s Transport & Environment Committee. The evaluation of the School Streets scheme also showed lower vehicle speeds on surrounding roads and a reduction in the number of cars around schools.
The 18-month scheme began in Edinburgh in last September, with nine primary schools – Abbeyhill, Colinton, Cramond, Duddingston, Sciennes, St John’s, Clermiston, St Peter’s, and Towerbank – taking part in the pilot project, and the report recommends rolling out the scheme across the city.
Living Streets Scotland now wants the scheme to be introduced across the country and is urging other councils to consider implementing the programme.
Stuart Hay, Living Streets Scotland director, said: “The main problems identified in Edinburgh were dangerous parking and manoeuvring by parents. We are calling on all local authorities to look at this scheme – all local authorities have similar problems.”
Councillor Lesley Hinds, City of Edinburgh City Council’s transport convener, said: “The whole aim of School Streets was to create a safer, more relaxed atmosphere around schools, encouraging children to walk and cycle and parents to leave their cars at home.
“Therefore I’m delighted to see fewer cars around participating schools, slower speeds in nearby streets and more children walking in every day, contributing to a more welcoming environment for all. We now want to build on the lessons learned from the pilot so far to bring School Streets’ benefits to even more children, families and residents across the city.”
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