Supported by Sustrans funding, Dalry Primary in central Edinburgh is celebrating the launch of their new school street, also known as a school zone.
A new school street outside Dalry Primary in Edinburgh aims to help make journeys safer for children. Credit: City of Edinburgh Council, 2024
Pupils from Dalry Primary are set to benefit from reduced traffic and cleaner air thanks to a new school street.
Thanks to funding from Sustrans’ Temporary School Street Fund, two neighbouring streets to the school have now been transformed.
Narrow pavements on Springwell Place and Cathcart Place have been widened into people-friendly footpaths.
As well as this, play cylinders, planters, benches and seats have been installed to allow pupils, parents and the wider community a place to connect.
To top things off, a local artist, Shona Hardie, has painted designs inspired by ideas created with pupils at workshops last year.
How will it work?
The School Zone will reduce motor traffic on Cathcart Place and Springwell Place, where the school has its entrances, on school days between 8:15 and 9:15am, Mondays to Thursdays between 2:30 and 3:45pm and Fridays between 11:45 and 1pm.
Local access will be maintained for residents of Cathcart Place and Springwell Place, emergency services and blue badge holders.
School Zone signs will soon be installed at both ends of Cathcart Place and Springwell Place to make people aware of the School Zone.
New signs outside of Dalry Primary will alert drivers about the school zone. Credit: Sustrans, 2024
What is a school street?
A school street, also called a school zone, is a road outside a school that has a restriction on vehicle access at school drop-off and pick-up times.
The restriction applies to school and through traffic, at specified times, on weekdays during term time.
School Streets address issues of congestion, poor air quality and road safety that many schools experience during drop-off and pick-up times.
Whilst School Streets vary in approach, in most cases, traffic is restricted for 30-60 minutes at either end of the school day.
Warning signs are installed to alert drivers to the road changes, and the street becomes a walking and cycling zone.
Residents, emergency vehicles and blue badge holders still have access, but through traffic is banned.
Coloured play equipment for pupils can also be used by parents to wait at school pick-up times. Credit: Sustrans, 2024
What happened at the event?
On Friday 14th June, celebrations got underway bright and early to mark the new school street at Dalry Primary.
A ‘walking bus’ was organised from Tynecastle School, composed of parents, teachers and children, in an effort to support walking to school safely.
The school commuters were joined by performers from Leith-based Think Circus, who went on to provide fun and educational activities to the pupils throughout the day.
After school activities included a Dr Bike session allowed parents and children have their bikes checked and repaired for free.
The Bike Station’s ‘Wee Bike Library’ also gave kids the opportunity to try out a wide range of cycles.
A walking bus arrived at Dalry Primary to begin the early morning celebrations. Credit: Sustrans, 2024.
A safer, healthier school run
Junior Road Safety Officers from Dalry Primary shared their thoughts about the School Zone changes.
Umaima Rakha Parveen said:
“I think the street art is an interesting way to distract the young people and will help them to stay away from the roadside and stay safe.”
Attri Roy said:
“The parents and children can use the seats to rest on when they arrive at school and many children will love to play on the seats.”
Karen McGregor, Scotland Director for Sustrans, was also in attendance for the opening festivities. She said:
“We are excited to launch the school zone at Dalry Primary in partnership with the City of Edinburgh Council. In Scotland and across the UK, we have been working with stakeholders to transform the surrounding streets near schools. The result is a safer, happier and more pleasant environment for pupils, parents and the wider community.
“Nearly 50 percent of pupils in Scotland either walk, wheel or cycle to school, according to our latest Hands Up Scotland Survey results. Innovative projects like the Dalry Primary school zone will help more pupils and families feel safe and confident in leaving the car at home to enjoy a healthier, happier commute.”
Karen McGregor spoke to pupils about their experiences of the new school street changes. Credit: Sustrans, 2024
Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener at the City of Edinburgh Council, said:
"I firmly believe that no parent should have to worry about their child walking or cycling to school, and I’m delighted that this new initiative will help to create a safer environment during the busy pick-up and drop-off times in the school day.
“These improvements at Dalry Primary are also designed to benefit the whole community.
“We’ve worked with a fantastic artist to create colourful street art and a more relaxed environment for everyone to spend time along Cathcart Place, Springwell Place and Dalry Road, and we hope local residents and visitors enjoy the fun designs and opportunities to rest as much as pupils.
Elaine Honeyman, Headteacher at Dalry Primary School, said:
“It’s fantastic to see this scheme underway after lots of discussions with parents, residents and of course, our pupils. The safety measures are already proving popular with the children as they arrive at school.
“Pupils have told me that they are enjoying all the improvements to our school area, particularly the colourful street art and the playful aspect that this adds to the surrounding streets.”
In order to deliver the School Zone, City of Edinburgh Council received £60,000 from Sustrans’ Temporary School Streets Fund.
Whilst the current project only serves as a trial outside Dalry Primary, it could be made a permanent School Zone like various other School Zones and Streets across the city.
