Edinburgh school streets to close in safety plan

STREETS around schools in Edinburgh would be closed before and after classes to improve safety under plans expected to be approved by city councillors next week.

Sciennes Primary School in Edinburgh. A scheme to close roads next to schools before and after classes in the city is set to be approved by councillors. Picture: TSPL

Pilots would be launched involving up to five schools, with the traffic-free “school streets” aimed at encouraging pupils to walk or cycle.

These could be extended to other schools if successful.

Council officials said significant congestion and parking problems around school gates made both parents and children feel unsafe.

A council poll showed 59 per cent of people questioned backed the move.

If approved, Edinburgh would follow East Lothian Council’s lead in the closing of streets around two primary schools in Haddington, which is expected to start this autumn.