‘We want parents to slow down’
23 Dec 2011 10:03:35
So concerned were youngsters at a local primary school about dangerous drivers, that they decided to take matters into their own hands to make culprits think.
Primary 5c children were fed up with cars speeding around the campus, on surrounding streets and near school entrances, as well as parking in parts of the playground where they shouldn’t. The Parents Council had also raised concerns about the antics of some drivers.
Pupils Luke Dickson and Sean Houston organised a campaign to make the campus a safer place. They persuaded the other schools sharing the campus – Grange Academy, Park School and Gargieston Primary – to join them in their mission.
With backing from campus cop PC Andy Murray, the youngsters made a poster for display in schools and local shops. They also wrote letters to parents and met with the Community Council – all of whom are supporting their cause.
The pupils are campaigning for measures such as bigger and better road signs and improved speed bumps, to encourage drivers to slow down and be more aware of children walking or cycling to and from school.
Luke Dickson said: “We just want parents to slow down”.
Primary 5 teacher Graeme Crossley said: “Some drivers are just not taking enough care. The speed limit within the campus is 5 mph and they are not sticking to it. There have been cases of parents double-parking, parking in disabled spaces, blocking roadways and even being abusive to staff who have asked them to move on”.
Annanhill Primary headteacher Jacqueline Hanlon added: “I’m delighted that our two junior road safety officers Luke and Sean are spearheading this campaign to make our school grounds safer. We’ve had tremendous support from the other schools, parents and indeed the whole community”.
Councillor Iain Linton, Depute Leader of the Council, said: “All we need now is for all drivers in and around the school campus to obey the rules and take more care. Fortunately, many parents and visitors already do, but absolutely everyone needs to buy into this.
“It is common sense – and everyone’s priority is to look after our young people and keep them safe from harm”.
ends
For further information, contact Elaine Scott on 01563 576013 or email elaine.scott@east-ayrshire.gov.uk