School Streets trial to start after Easter holidays

Catrine Primary and St Sophia’s Primary in Galston will be the first schools in East Ayrshire to take part in a School Streets trial which will begin after the Easter holidays.

The aim of the trial is to increase the safety of vulnerable road users, particularly younger children, and to encourage active ways of travelling to school, such as walking, cycling or scooting. 

A School Street involves a part time restriction on driving motor vehicles on roads around a school. During the restricted periods (weekdays at school opening and closing times), only permit holders, blue badge holders, school transport vehicles (including contracted taxis) and exempted vehicles can drive on these roads.  

Catrine and St Sophia’s primaries were chosen based on feedback received through the Council’s online engagement about temporary School Streets at various locations throughout East Ayrshire.

Residents in the streets affected will be classified as permit holders and have been issued with two permits per household for their vehicles.

The trials will start on Monday 19^th April 2021 and will last for a minimum of four weeks.  The scheme will then be monitored during the third week of the trial period, with questionnaires being posted to residents, circulated to all parents/carers through the school app, and promoted to the wider community via the community council, ward members and social media channels. 

Parents and carers will already be aware of the important steps they need to take to support the safe return to school. If possible, only one adult should collect or drop off their child/children. Please continue to wear a face covering, keep 2m away from other adults, avoid gathering in groups or car sharing, watch out for any symptoms in your household, and follow Test and Trace guidance if anyone develops symptoms. 

The School Streets project was established after Ayrshire Roads Alliance successfully bid for Spaces for People funding from Sustrans. The funding enables temporary measures to be put in place to make social distancing easier for people who are walking and wheeling during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Further information on the trials can be found at www.east-ayrshire.gov.uk/schoolstreets

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