South Ayrshire Council News

The ‘zig zag’ road markings at Belmont School

South Ayrshire Council and Strathclyde Police are working together to encourage people taking Belmont Academy pupils to and from school by car not to park irresponsibly when dropping off or collecting their children from school.

The 'Park Smart' campaign aims to raise awareness of the dangers of irresponsible parking outside Belmont Academy. It encourages drivers to find a safe place to park every time they pick up or drop off.

Councillor Peter Convery, the Council's Portfolio Carrier for Sustainability and the Environment said: "We have been running this campaign across South Ayrshire for four years, with special emphasis on it when school term starts again after the holidays.

"Previous surveys have shown that the majority of parents think 'Park Smart' is a good idea, but that thought goes right out of some parents minds when they are in a hurry to drop off their children at school.

"At Belmont Academy we are working in partnership with Strathclyde Police to make people think about where they park when they are outside the school.

"This important campaign is about the safety of children when they are crossing roads outside schools."

Since the new school opened, the majority of pupils are using the entrance from Belmont Road, which faces the junction with Belmont Avenue. Children's lives are being put at risk by parents and carers parking on or near to this entrance.

PC Claire Jack, the school's Campus Police Officer, said: "It is disappointing that many parents and other drivers, while appreciating the 'Park Smart' concept, continue to park indiscriminately outside Belmont Academy.

"Parked vehicles can mask children trying to cross the road and the potentially tragic outcome should be clear to all. The responsibility for parking in a safe place to pick up or drop off children rests solely with the driver.

"We would also encourage car sharing or pupils walking to the school where that is practical."