Traffic measures at Elgin primary schools
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Traffic restrictions at two Elgin primary schools could become permanent if councillors give the go-ahead next week.
Vehicles are currently being prevented from entering zones around Seafield and New Elgin primaries at pick-up and drop-off times.
Exemptions are only allowed for residents, the emergency services, doctors and utility companies.
Meanwhile, parents who drive their children are also encouraged to walk the last part of the journey.
The School Streets Scheme aims to make both areas safer for pupils to walk or cycle.
However, the experimental traffic regulation orders (ETROs) which are involved in the scheme are coming to an end in September.
Therefore, members of Moray Council's economic development and infrastructure committee will be asked this coming Tuesday to replace them with permanent traffic regulations.
A report written by council officers ahead of the meeting says: "School Streets Schemes have the potential to enhance the health and environment for young people and to address road safety perceptions.
"However, the success of these schemes is reliant on the commitment of the school to the scheme and the ability of Police Scotland to undertake regular enforcement activities.
"Overall, the pilot projects have delivered reductions in vehicle activity around the school entrances.
"Although both schools have experienced non-compliance by parents or guardians who have continued to enter the zone to drop off and pick up pupils."
Traffic surveys were carried out at both schools for an hour in the morning and afternoon prior to the scheme, and again once it had been running for eight months.
Results show the number on vehicles on Deanshaugh Terrace outside Seafield fell from 138 to 73 during the morning drop-off, and from 113 to 74 in the afternoon.
Meanwhile, the numbers on Bezack Street in New Elgin fell from 151 to 116 in the morning, but actually increased in the afternoon from 104 to 123.
Traffic data also showed while vehicle speed fell by almost 3mph at New Elgin, it increased slightly at Seafield.
Questionnaires were sent to parents, guardians and residents around the School Streets zones.
A total of 153 responses were received.
The main concerns were the restrictions wouldn't be observed unless the police were present, and they would only move the traffic problem to other areas.
Councillors will also be asked on Tuesday to agree criteria so other schools can take part in the scheme.
