Most parents obeyed Dundee’s newest school traffic ban at Craigiebarns Primary on its first day.
Part-time restrictions came into force on Monday outside the school to protect pupils as they arrive and leave.
While a few cars which continued to pass through the area at school starting time as parents dropped off children, locals reported streets being ‘much quieter’ on the first morning of the new restrictions.
A month ago similar restrictions were brought in at North East Campus in Dundee and more have followed at three other primary schools in the city.
When and where is traffic banned at Craigiebarns Primary?
At Craigiebarns Primary driving is now prohibited on school days from 8.30am to 9.15am and 3pm to 3.30pm in Brington Road, Brington Place, Scotston Gardens, Dalcraig Crescent, Craigiebarn Road and Gardyne Place.
Emergency vehicles and contracted taxis for school transport are exempt.
But all other motorists could be penalised by police for breaches.
What happened at Craigiebarns Primary on Monday morning?
No police officers were in attendance outside the school, although one police car did do a brief patrol mid-way through Brington Road, one of the restricted streets.
But there was a representative from Dundee City Council who was stationed at the entrance to Brington Road.
He was drawing motorists’ attention to the new school streets sign now in place.
This resulted in the new rules being largely followed with the restricted street being much quieter.
Reaction from locals to the new traffic ban
Resident Karel Rosenzweig remarked on how quiet Brington Road was.
He said: “For the past two years every morning there have been so many cars in the street you can’t get out.
“But it has definitely been a lot quieter this morning.
“The only issue now is how it will be enforced.”
It will take a child getting run over before the message hits home.”
Brington Road resident
Another resident said: “There are some cars still passing through and a lot of locals don’t have their permits yet.
“But Brington Road is normally gridlocked with cars parked on both sides in the afternoon when school finishes.
“Some parents drop their kids off and then take off down the road like a bat out of hell.
“They drive far too fast.
He added: “It will take a child getting run over before the message hits home.”
A parent, who didn’t want to be named, said: “We stay further away so where are they expecting us to park if we don’t live close enough to walk?
“There aren’t many spaces available in nearby streets. It’s a bit of a joke.”
What other Dundee schools have part-time driving bans?
Safer School Streets – as the restrictions are known – have been introduced at Fintry and St Mary’s primary schools, North East Campus, Coldside Campus, St Andrew’s RC Primary and Downfield Primary.
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