East Renfrewshire Council is to pilot the area’s first ‘School Street’ in a bid to reduce traffic and create a safer environment for pupils at the busiest times of the day.

Measures will be introduced outside Giffnock Primary to ban most vehicles from entering Academy Road between 8.30am and 9.30am, as well as 2.30pm and 3.30pm, Monday to Friday, during the school term.

The aim is to open up the street to families on foot, bikes or scooters at drop-off and pick-up times.

Parents who still need to drive are asked to park away from the school and walk for the last five or 10 minutes of the journey.

Supported by the Spaces for People fund operated by national cycling charity Sustrans, the project will address concerns over adhering to social distancing guidelines, as well as tackling road safety issues at the school.

The new rules come into force on Monday, June 7, and will operate on a temporary basis for a maximum of 18 months.

During this time, the council will seek feedback from parents, pupils and residents to determine whether it should be made permanent, modified or withdrawn.

Exemptions to restrictions will apply to include permit and blue badge holders, as well as emergency vehicles.

Residents in affected streets will be provided with a permit, as well as instructions on how to apply for additional permits if necessary.

Councillor Alan Lafferty, East Renfrewshire's environment convener, said: “The introduction of a School Street at Giffnock Primary will help make the journey to and from school safer, healthier and more pleasant for our pupils and their families.

"The scheme will encourage more active travel to school through walking, cycling and scooting, which can be a long-term benefit for physical and mental health.

"It will also help to reduce congestion and pollution at the school gates.

"For those parents who still need to drive, we ask that you park away from the school and walk for the last five or ten minutes of the journey.

"I look forward to seeing this pilot getting started and, if successful, we will consider if there are other schools which could also benefit from a similar scheme being introduced in the future.”

Karen McGregor, Sustrans’ director of capital programmes, added: “We’re really pleased that Spaces for People is making it easier for children and parents to walk, wheel or cycle to Giffnock Primary.

"As well as a fantastic way to encourage more physical activity, School Streets are also helping to reduce pollution and traffic congestion in the local community.”

People can have their say on the scheme by visiting http://orlo.uk/Aiu1C.

Further information is available by sending an email to spacesforpeople@eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk.