Parking ban encourages pupils to walk to school in Edinburgh

A pilot scheme that saw cars banned from parking outside a number of primary schools in Edinburgh has led to an increase in pupils walking to school.

According to a report from the BBC, the School Streets scheme also led to lower vehicles speeds on roads surrounding the schools, as well as a reduction in the overall number of vehicles.

The 18-month scheme began back in September 2015 and the Living Streets charity is now calling on other councils to evaluate how similar schemes can be implemented in their areas.

Lesley Hinds, City of Edinburgh City Council's transport convener, said: "The whole aim of School Streets was to create a safer, more relaxed atmosphere around schools, encouraging children to walk and cycle and parents to leave their cars at home.

"Therefore I'm delighted to see fewer cars around participating schools, slower speeds in nearby streets and more children walking in every day, contributing to a more welcoming environment for all.

"We now want to build on the lessons learned from the pilot so far to bring School Streets' benefits to even more children, families and residents across the city."

The schools involved in the pilot were: Abbeyhill, Colinton, Cramond, Duddingston, Sciennes, St John's, Clermiston, St Peter's, and Towerbank.