School Streets campaign launched at Inverurie and Peterhead primary schools
Two more Aberdeenshire primary schools have become the focus of the Schools Streets safety campaign.
The scheme is aimed at improving pupil safety, reducing congestion and creating healthier environments for families and residents.
Kellands School in Inverurie and Buchanhaven School in Peterhead are now part of an 18-month trial supported by the Scottish Government’s Active Travel Investment Fund.
The schemes will introduce timed traffic restrictions at key streets surrounding each school:
• Buchanhaven School: Hope Street and George Garden Avenue
• Kellands School: Martin Brae and Upper Manse Walk
During peak drop-off and pick-up times, an hour and a half in the morning and in the afternoon, access will be limited to vehicles displaying a valid permit.
Pupils check out the new signage outside Kellands School in Inverurie
Exemptions will apply to residents, Blue Badge holders, emergency services, carers, public and school transport and essential service vehicles.
Clear flashing signage will alert drivers when restrictions are in operation. Drivers who ignore the restrictions may face enforcement action, including Fixed Penalty Notices.
The campaigns are designed to:
• Improve road safety for children and families
• Reduce congestion and anti-social parking at school gates
• Cut vehicle emissions and improve local air quality
• Encourage walking, cycling and other active travel choices
The move follows the success of a similar trial at South Park School in Fraserburgh, where walking and cycling increased significantly and car use dropped.
Monitoring will take place throughout the trial to assess the impact of the schemes in both towns
Monitoring will take place throughout the trial to assess the impact of the schemes in both towns. Residents and parents have received further information on permits and operating details ahead of the launch.
Cllr Alan Turner, chair of Aberdeenshire Council’s Infrastructure Services Committee, said: “I’m very pleased to see this important scheme being introduced, tackling long-standing traffic congestion issues while putting pupil safety firmly first.
"By working closely with pupils, parents and local residents, we are delivering a practical solution which will help create a safer environment around our schools, and I encourage drivers to support these necessary measures at all times."
