Downfield Primary traffic ban: Day one police presence deters drivers outside Dundee school

By Debbie Clarke

November 29 2022, 11:12am

Police officers were positioned at entrances to streets near Downfield Primary to educate drivers about the new restrictions. Image: Kenny Smith/ DC Thomson

Police enforcement saw most parents obey Dundee’s newest school traffic ban at Downfield Primary on its first day.

Part-time restrictions came into force on Monday outside the school to protect pupils as they arrive and leave.

A few cars continued to pass through the area at home time, with one or two drivers parking in restricted areas – particularly Haldane Crescent – as they went to pick up children.

The new restrictions came into force at Downfield Primary on Monday. Image: Kenny Smith/ DC Thomson

But with police officers stationed at the entrance to Haldane Street and Haldane Crescent reminding drivers they cannot drive into the restricted streets during school starting and finishing times, the new rules were largely followed.

This resulted in the restricted streets, which are normally very congested with parked cars, being much quieter.

Three weeks ago similar restrictions were brought in at North East Campus in Dundee and more will follow at another city school next week.

When and where is traffic banned at Downfield Primary?

Part-time restrictions are now in force in streets at Downfield Primary. Image: Google Maps/DC

At Downfield Primary driving in Haldane Street, Haldane Terrace, Haldane Crescent and Haldane Place is now prohibited on school days from 8.30am to 9.15am and 3pm to 3.30pm when children are arriving and leaving.

Emergency vehicles and contracted taxis for school transport are exempt, but all other motorists could be penalised by police for breaches.

What happened at Downfield Primary on Monday afternoon?

Police officers were stationed at the entrances to Haldane Street and Haldane Crescent and were stopping drivers trying to enter the now restricted streets.

Police officers were positioned to educate and warn drivers of the new restrictions in streets outside Downfield Primary. Image: Kenny Smith/ DC Thomson

This resulted in streets surrounding the school, particularly Haldane Crescent and Haldane Place, being much quieter with less parked cars opposite the school.

Many parents remarked on how ‘nice and quiet’ Haldane Crescent was.

One said: “It is normally so congested here with cars parked on both sides of the road so these new restrictions are definitely a good thing.”

Another said: “It is usually horrendous here with lots of cars driving past and parking on double yellow lines, but it has definitely been quieter today.

Haldane Crescent is one of the streets outside Downfield Primary where restrictions now apply. Image: Kenny Smith/ DC Thomson

“Having the police at the street entrances has made a difference.

“It has 100 per cent been better – safer for the children and everyone else.”

However, one parent voiced concerns that the restricted streets were just pushing cars into nearby roads.

She said: “All this will do is push cars into the other streets making them a problem.

“I don’t see why the council doesn’t just put in speed bumps – they would be much more effective cutting the speed of cars than these restrictions.”

Police were in attendance as the new restrictions came into force outside Downfield Primary. Image: Kenny Smith/ DC Thomson

When do driving bans start at other Dundee schools?

A part-time driving ban also came into force in streets surrounding St Andrew’s RC Primary yesterday.

Recently Safer School Streets – as the restrictions are known – have been introduced at Fintry and St Mary’s primary schools, North East Campus and Coldside Campus.

A part-time driving ban will be introduced at Craigiebarns Primary School on December 5.