School car free zones to be trialled in Glasgow

Car free zones are set to be trialled at seven Glasgow primary schools in a bid to improve road safety for children and encourage them to walk and cycle.

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

Councillor Anna Richardson, city convenor for sustainability and carbon reduction, said: “We must ensure our young people are as active as possible as a way to tackle the ever increasing problem of childhood obesity. 

“Creating a safer, more pleasant environment for children to walk and cycle to school can absolutely play a part in promoting a healthier lifestyle for young people. Unfortunately, Glasgow currently has the highest rate of pupils being driven to school compared to the other cities in Scotland. 

“This amount of traffic heading to the school clearly impacts on the wider environment and creates road safety risks at the school gate. School car free zones will keep streets around schools clear of cars at the busiest times of the school day. We hope school car free zones will give parents greater confidence that their children can walk or cycle to school safely every day.”

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.

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. 

The roads around schools which are proposed to become temporary car free zones are:

– Bankhead Primary School – Caldwell Avenue and Broadlie Drive

– Broomhill Primary School – Elmwood Avenue and Elmwood Lane

– Hillhead Primary School – Westbank Quadrant and Otago St (to junction with Gibson St)

– Lourdes Primary School – access road from Berryknowes Road

– Our Lady of the Rosary Primary School – Lourdes Avenue

– St Blane’s Primary School – Arrochar Drive

– Toryglen Primary School – Drumreoch Place