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    Technical Notes 2023, Issue 126 - Traffic-Free Schools – Project Update

    • Report by:

      Ann Davie, Depute Chief Executive

    • TN Number:

      126-23

    • Subject:

      Traffic-Free Schools – Project Update

    • Responsible Officer:

      Christopher McGeough, Sustainable Transport Officer, Traffic and Transport, Land Planning & Development

    • Publication:

      This Technical Note will be published on the Council’s website following circulation to Members. Its contents may be disclosed or shared outwith the Council.

    Section

    1. The purpose of this Technical Note is to provide Members with an update on progress being made to implement the Council’s Traffic-Free Schools pilot project. 
    2. Within the Parking Management Plan, the Council committed to piloting a Traffic-Free Schools project (PNCA/039/22/AL).  This is where sections of road immediately outside the entrance to schools are subject to prohibition of driving restrictions for a short time, at the start and end of the school day.  Specifically, between 08.30am - 09.15am and 14.30pm - 15.15pm.
    3. The aims of the project are to improve road safety for all children and adults accessing the school, while at the same time, making the areas more attractive for journeys to be made by walking, wheeling and cycling.
    4. In May 2023, the Place, Neighbourhood & Corporate Assets (PNCA) Committee instructed officers to undertake the pilot project at four schools and to prepare the necessary Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) (PNCA/047/23/IH).
    5. The selected schools are:
    • Clober Primary School, Milngavie
    • Craighead Primary School, Milton of Campsie
    • St. Matthew’s Primary School and Wester Cleddens Primary School, Bishopbriggs
    1. Officers within the Traffic and Transport team have been working closely with colleagues across the Council, including Legal Services and Education in preparation for implementing the project.
    2. A significant volume of work has been put in place to allow this project to be as successful as possible including progression of the ETRO, consultation with school senior management teams, consultation with Police Scotland, conducting a qualitative survey with parents/carers, staff and local residents, undertaking baseline traffic and parking counts, preparation of the permit scheme, preparing a range of awareness raising materials and activities, and working with schools on supporting projects such as increased cycle parking.
    3. It was intended that the project would be in operation for the entire 2023/2024 academic year, therefore starting on 16 August when pupils return to school, following the summer holiday period.  This was communicated to residents and addresses within the restricted zone at each school and also to residents and addresses in neighbouring streets.
    4. However, the Council is currently not in a position to start this project on 16 August and instead, officers are focusing on making the essential preparations needed to launch the project at a later date.  This time will allow the project team to work closely with the four school communities taking part in the pilot on final arrangements, following their return from the summer holiday period.  In particular, the extra time will allow the project team to hold discussions with trade unions representing teaching and school staff to discuss the arrangements for staff accessing the school.
    5. This change is being communicated directly to affected residents and addresses within the restricted zones and neighbouring streets.  Further information on a confirmed start date will be communicated with all interested groups as soon as possible.  Updates will also be provided on the Council’s website: Traffic Free Schools
    6. A further Technical Note outlining the revised timescales for the project will be shared with Members. 
    7. Once the project has started, Members will be kept informed of progress via Technical Notes, HGIOS updates and a subsequent report to the Place Neighbourhood & Corporate Assets Committee at an appropriate time once monitoring and evaluation of the effectiveness of the project at each location has been completed.