WALKING to school will soon be a little safer for children in a Renfrewshire village.

Two temporary ‘build-outs’ and parking barriers will be installed in Kilbarchan next week to make it easier for youngsters to walk, cycle or scoot to Kilbarchan Primary.

The measures are being introduced in Meadside Avenue and will act as temporary pavement extensions to improve visibility around crossing points on the road.

Councillor Andy Doig, who represents Johnstone North, Kilbarchan, Howwood, and Lochwinnoch, has welcomed the move, being introduced by walking and cycling charity Sustrans as part of its Pocket Places programme.

He said: “I congratulate Sustrans and Kilbarchan Community Council for working on this safety initiative.

“I supported the installation of the informal crossing a few years ago and the new build-outs will slow traffic at the school and make it safer for everyone.”

The Gazette:

Pupils and parents identified morning drop-off traffic as the main issue surrounding Kilbarchan Primary in a number of engagement events held last year.

The new barriers are being funded by the Scottish Government and delivered in partnership with Kilbarchan Community Council and Renfrewshire Council.

They will be installed as part of a two-month trial to see how they impact on local driver and pedestrian behaviour.

If successful, they could be replaced with a more permanent solution.
Rene Lindsay, Sustrans Scotland’s senior urban designer, said: “Whilst Kilbarchan Primary is already doing a lot of work to encourage parents to drive and park safely, there are still occasions at drop-off and pick-up times when insensitive driving or parking makes it difficult or dangerous for children in the village to cross the street.

“This project supports that work by making it a safe and pleasant choice to get to school by foot, bike or scooter each day.”

A spokesperson for Kilbarchan Community Council added: “The Pocket Places initiative has given local residents, parents, carers and our local primary school the opportunity to help create a safer, more aesthetically-pleasing area for all.

“We look forward to the temporary build-outs and parking barriers being set up.”

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