Bearsden parents are ‘too scared’ to walk kids to school

They say they are now too scared to walk their youngsters to Bearsden Primary School.

The Parent Council at the school told the Herald they have been pressing East Dunbartonshire Council for the past three years to make the area at Thorn Road, Thorn Drive and Manse Road safe.

The Parent Council spoke out after a two-vehicle accident near the school on Monday, September 21.

Stuart Dickson, of the parent council, said: “The Parent Council has been trying to engage with the council for around three years relating to speeding on Thorn Road, Thorn Drive and Manse Road, as well as the design of Manse Road itself.

“They put in speed monitors on Thorn Drive which is in a ‘20s plenty’ zone and recorded speeds of up to 55mph.

“However, because the average speed recorded was 28mph and the legal limit is 30mph, they said there was no issue.”

He added: “It is a very dangerous road with blind corners, crests and high hedges, and children from three schools use it.

“We also had council officers out to look at issues of road safety around the school last November, especially the design of the Manse Road/Drymen Road junction and the kink on Manse Road where children cross.

“They agreed to do a series of improvements, however nothing has happened.

“We have had two fatal car crashes in Bearsden in the past year, and now this latest incident just 100 metres from the school gates.

“Parents keep telling the Parent Council they are scared to walk their kids to school. It feels like the council do not take road safety seriously.”

In response to the fears 
expressed by parents, Thomas Glen, Depute Chief Executive - Place, Neighbourhood & Corporate Assets, said: “The council takes concerns about road safety extremely seriously.

“Our officers engage with schools, children and parents on the importance of road safety and we have regular meetings with the police about any areas of concern.

“Following our meeting on site with the parent council late last year we agreed to carry out works and I can confirm that these are still planned.

“There are a number of factors that are taken into account to decide how traffic calming is prioritised.

“These include traffic volume, speed flow, accident history, road lay out including forward visibility, use by larger vehicles including buses, pedestrian activity and the presence of facilities that attract extra traffic such as schools, leisure centres, health centres, places of 
worship and public halls.

“While speeding is a matter for police enforcement, we would always encourage motorists to observe speed limits and drive with due care and attention.

“Anyone who witnesses incidents of careless or dangerous driving should contact Police Scotland.”

A woman (58) has been charged with alleged road traffic offences after the accident on Thorn Road last week.