Two more Aberdeenshire primary schools join peak time road closure trial
Two more Aberdeenshire primary schools are to begin an 18-month road safety trial from the Spring of next year.
Members of Aberdeenshire Council’s Buchan and Garioch area committees this week approved the introduction of traffic safety measures at Buchanhaven School in Peterhead and Kellands School in Inverurie aimed at reducing congestion and air pollution at the school gate and tackling anti-social parking to improve safety during peak-time periods.
And with reduced congestion and fewer traffic movements in the areas, it’s hoped families will consider healthier active travel options for pupils getting to school, while also ensuring residents have an improved environment to live in with far fewer vehicle trips in their street and less risk of driveway blocking.
Under the scheme – which is being funded by the Scottish Government’s Active Travel and Investment Fund – flashing signs will be installed on Hope Street in Buchanhaven and on Martin Brae and Upper Manse Walk in Inverurie to notify drivers when the scheme is in operation - typically for one hour in the morning and one hour in the afternoon covering pick up and drop off times during term time.
During these times, only those vehicles displaying a valid permit – which will include local residents – will be permitted to access the area and failure to comply could result in the issue of a Fixed Penalty Notice.
Some exemptions will be in place for those with permits including Blue Badge holders, public transport, waste delivery vehicles, emergency vehicles, carers and district nurses and delivery vehicles. Ongoing monitoring will take place over the trial period in both towns to determine the success of the project.
Following a very successful trial at South Park School in Fraserburgh launched in 2023, the new measures were made permanent. Findings showed that walking and cycling levels increased from 56% to 67% during the trial. Park and Stride figures decreased by 2% and driving levels had decreased significantly from 13% to 4%.
Buchan Area Committee chair Cllr Dianne Beagrie said: “I am delighted that this trial is to be introduced at Buchanhaven Primary School where significant volumes of traffic during drop-off and pick-up times has been a historical issue. The safety of our children is absolutely paramount and I hope motorists will adhere to these very necessary traffic measures when they are introduced in the Spring of next year.”
Cllr Marion Ewenson, chair of the Garioch Area Committee, added: “This is an excellent initiative which will improve pupil safety and tackle traffic congestion around Kellands which has been an issue for many years. I want to thank the pupils, parents and residents for participating in our survey which has really helped bring about this important road safety programme for the benefit of our community.”
