PARENTS in Erskine are set to face a major hurdle in dropping their kids off at school after plans to introduce parking exclusion zones were approved.
Renfrewshire Council has backed a nine-month pilot project that will see the zone introduced at Barsail Primary, meaning parents will not be able to enter certain streets for approximately 45 minutes at either end of the school day.
St Catherine’s Primary, Lochfield Primary and St Charles’ Primary, all in Paisley, are also included in the pilot scheme.
It has been suggested parents will not be able to drive around the schools between the hours of 8.30am and 9.15am or 2.30pm and 3.15pm.
Any driver found entering or exiting the zones – unless exempt – could be issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice.
Former Erskine community councillor Barbara Campbell said: “People want something done about parking. However, I’m not sure that’s the best place to try the pilot scheme because all people will do is park in the streets beside it.
“It may solve the problem for that street but you are only moving it from side to side and not doing much to improve the whole area.
“There’s still an issue with parking. I’m all for pilot schemes, but I’m questioning where it’ll be piloted because that won’t give a true reflection of the situation.”
A report considered by councillors yesterday stated that exemptions would be granted for residents and disabled badge holders, with consideration also to be given to allowing teachers an exemption.
“Following a desktop review of all primary schools in Renfrewshire and discussions with Children’s Services, four schools have been chosen to pilot school parking exclusion zones,” added the report.
“These zones will prohibit cars from entering/leaving at set times during the day at the start and end of the school day.
“These schools were selected for the pilot as there was evidence of a potential conflict between vehicles and children and the road was potentially able to be closed.
“It is hoped the pilot will lead to less congestion, less pollution and increased safety for children, more active travel and respond to issues raised by parents and residents.”
Police Scotland will be enforcing the zones but, due to resource demands, cops will not physically be able to be at the schools every day.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here