School gate parking clampdown

COPS will be out in force at East Renfrewshire schools throughout March in response to complaints about dangerous driving at the school gates.
Community police officers are encouraging drivers on the school run to be aware of the children around them.Community police officers are encouraging drivers on the school run to be aware of the children around them.
Community police officers are encouraging drivers on the school run to be aware of the children around them.

Campus officers patrolled Braidbar Primary this week, and will be moving on to Kirkhill, St Cadoc’s and Carlibar primaries.

The campaign follows an incident at Williamwood High in December, in which a 16-year-old girl suffered a broken pelvis and leg after being hit by a car.

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Police constable Christy-Lee McDowall told The Extra: “The campus officers, community policing colleagues and community wardens will be on site throughout March, and the aim is to educate and influence safer driving and parking.”

PC McDowall reports a near-miss at Braidbar Primary last week, as a driver reversed towards a child crossing the road. In another incident, at St Ninian’s, a car narrowly missed a child on a scooter using a crossing.

The campus cop added: “It’s very fortunate that we haven’t seen anything else as bad as the incident at Williamwood. This action plan is an attempt to avoid having to deliver that kind of bad news to a parent.

“We have the support of East Renfrewshire council — but it’s not about fines. It’s about making people aware of how they’re driving, in the hope that they’ll think twice.

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“Our advice is to walk the children to school if you can, or take more time getting there, and be aware of where you’re parking or going at all times.

“Please consider your own children, and how you would feel if someone else parked or drove in a manner which put them in danger.”

The Williamwood incident prompted numerous letters to The Extra, as well as a plea from the Newton Mearns crossing patrol for drivers to slow down near schools.

One reader wrote: “My concern has always rested with motorists. We need to drive sensibly — it’s us and not pedestrians in charge of a deadly weapon.”

What do you think? Share your thoughts by emailing Gillian (address above) or on Facebook or Twitter.

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