Ayr primary school urges drivers to play it safe as warning issued

dailyrecord.co.uk:

School chiefs say it is "only a matter of time" before someone is seriously hurt unless drivers take more care on nearby roads.Concerned Forehill Primary this week issued a direct plea to motorists following a rise in recent incidents near their gates.Pupils have fought a long campaign to keep the streets around the Ayr school safe.But worried bosses fear the message is falling on deaf ears, with drivers dumping cars and travelling at speed while children walk to and from school.Forehill head teacher, David Watson, told the Ayrshire Post: "Inconsiderate parking and driving at speed around the school is an ongoing issue which has been a major challenge over many years. "As head teacher, I am not sure what it will take for drivers to wake up and actually consider the potential implications of their inconsiderate actions. "Many of the Forehill community will remember the tragic incident in 2011 involving the crossing patroller on Hillfoot Road."Despite a number of campaigns involving pupils, staff and parents which have included the production of a road safety video shared via social media, banners, surveys etc – drivers continue to do their own thing."Among the initiatives used by the school is the deployment of Junior Road Safety Officers who work with South Ayrshire Council and the Ayrshire Roads Alliance to tackle the issue.Mr Watson added: "New red zones are being painted on roads at the designated crossing sites on Hillfoot Road and Caledonia Road. "We are also hoping to have flashing signs put in place on Hillfoot Road to help control speed and alert drivers children are crossing."However, these measures will only be effective if drivers choose to park and drive sensibly. "Many do, but countless still have no desire