Road safety drive as Scottish pupils return to school

Date: 21/8/2012

Grampian Police have launched a road safety drive to coincide with Scottish children returning to school after the summer holidays.

It is set to last for four days and is targeting the west end of Aberdeen after residents in the area raised concerns about motorists driving dangerously in the vicinity of schools, reports the Scotsman.

Incidences of drivers skipping red lights and speeding have been detected especially in the Queen’s Road near St Joseph’s Roman Catholic Primary School and Albyn School.

Sergeant Ian Davidson, who is leading the operation, said: "As a direct result of concerns raised by members of our local community regarding inappropriate driving, it was felt the start of the academic year was an ideal time to remind motorists of the need to take extra care when travelling near school buildings."

He went on to say that a large number of young pupils walk to school and by addressing road safety they are able to do so with less risk of being injured or hurt.

The main times of days that will come under scrutiny are those where there is a greater amount of traffic, such as the morning and picking up times.

As well as carrying out enforcement, it is hoped that the police operation will also help to educate drivers who are failing to drive in an appropriate manner in the area around the schools.

Sergeant Davidson said: "Everyone has a duty to ensure that our young people are able to walk to and from school safely, and there is a responsibility on every driver or rider to ensure they abide by the Highway Code and traffic laws."

Catherine Tominey, the Head Teacher of St Joseph’s School, said that the road safety campaign was a good idea.

She pointed out that children are not always thinking about safety and therefore drivers should be particularly aware when they may be leaving school.

Sergeant Davidson said: "Anyone found to be committing an offence will be dealt with robustly, as the safety of our children is of paramount importance."

Posted by Sarah Bailey

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