DANGEROUS parking at primary schools in Ayr and Girvan is to be tackled by stricter regulations.

South Ayrshire councillors backed the move to introduce loading and time restrictions at Grammar Primary School in Ayr and at Wreck Road in Girvan.

There have been major concerns raised by both the Grammar school Parent Council and residents over the obstructive parking by parents during busy drop-off and pick-up times.

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Similar worries have been raised about parking on Wreck Road, when pupils are being taken to and from Girvan Primary School.

South Ayrshire councillors met last Thursday and agreed to introduce ‘No Loading/Unloading’ restrictions on sections of the existing double and single yellow lines surrounding the Grammar Primary School.

These would be in operation during the pick-up and drop-off periods only.

There are current restrictions at the school, however, they are not being complied with.

The second proposal for Wreck Road, was to introduce double yellow lines and time restrictions at the junctions of the concerned area, to prevent obstructive parking.

A spokesman for the Ayrshire Road Alliance (ARA), said work was required to ensure the issue was addressed properly.

He said: “We see this this proposal as a solution and a deterrent to stop people parking where they shouldn’t be parking.

“It is a different ball game for Girvan because there are absolutely no restrictions there and the school near Wreck Road has to put out cones to prevent people from parking at the junctions.

“The issue is the word trying, trying to enforce these restrictions. 

“As soon as people see uniforms, they drive away but that is not solving the problem because as soon as they’re gone, the vehicles return so we want something that is a physical deterrent and something that is immediately enforceable, which is why we’re having to ramp it up, particularly in these locations.

“There’s a lot more vehicles and a lot more traffic.

“We have consulted with the police and they are very supportive of this proposal.”

Cllr Grant said: “My concerns are, yes we have to stop people dropping their kids off but it is very detrimental to the householders because there are two periods in the day where they will not be able to do any unloading, especially these days when people buy their shopping online and this is limiting them to two hours in the day where they cannot do this.”

Cllr Cavana added: “I welcome this proposal, more the Grammar School than the Girvan area, because, I hate to say these words, but there was a fatality near the school.

“However, I think it will work and then people will then ignore it - it will have a wee spell of people using and abiding by the restrictions and then it will fade, I fear, as time goes on.”

Cllr Campbell concluded: “I think it will be a very good idea and I welcome the idea.”

The proposal for both areas was granted, with Cllr Convery moving the motion.