ROAD SAFETY FEARS at a Moray school will see double yellow lines being put in place along a busy main route through Lossiemouth.
Months of discussions between community representatives, wardens, police and council officials have been highlighting problem parking around St Gerardine’s Primary School.
Now members of the economic development and infrastructure committee at Moray Council will be asked to sanction a plan that would see severe parking restrictions put in place along much of St Gerardines Road in the town.
Currently, only a short area on either side of the road directly outside the school has a hatched ‘no stopping’ zone in force between 8am and 5pm on weekdays. However, if a plan being put forward by Traffic Engineer Kevin Price is adopted, additional parking restrictions will be put in place along the entire length of the road between the middle of School Brae to just north of Coulardhill Terrace.
The move follows “observations and discussions” with the Head Teacher and St Gerardine’s and the Council’s Traffic Team which also involved members of the Lossiemouth Community Council and the local community warden.
In his report Mr Price says: “Currently, inappropriate and unsafe school time parking is only restricted at the school entrance by keep clear markings. Whilst this restriction is effectively self-enforcing, parents take the opportunity to park at a number of locations to the south east of the school towards the junction with School Brae.
“Observations indicate that visibility for pedestrians and motorists is compromised and may result in conflict. The proposed restrictions will seek to prohibit parking on School Brae, St Gerardines Road, Coulardhill Terrace, Prospect View and Prospect Terrace.”
Should councillors accept the proposals a statutory public consultation process will be undertaken, ensuring that the views of residents, professional road users and emergency services are taken into account.
A spokesman for Lossiemouth Community Council said: “We have been made aware of these plans and have formed a sub-committee from within our number to consider the implications for residents.”