Road Safety debate highlights active travel in Edinburgh

Road Safety Debate Sparks Discussion on Active Travel in Edinburgh

The recent debate in Edinburgh highlights the need for safer travel options for children.

Local

Edinburgh, Scotland, Active Travel, Road Safety, Nether Currie Primary School

Edinburgh: Recently, a debate in the House of Commons got folks talking about road safety, especially for kids. The MP for Edinburgh South West, Dr. Scott Arthur, brought up the concerns of parents at Nether Currie Primary School. They want to make it safer for their kids to walk to school, and it’s a big deal for the community.

The school has a walking bus program, which is pretty cool. It helps kids get to school safely while encouraging them to walk instead of driving. The council even recognized this initiative in a report last November. They’re all about promoting active travel, which is great for the kids and the environment.

Dr. Arthur emphasized that good habits like walking and cycling should start young. He mentioned how parents and residents are eager to work with the council to improve safety around the school. It’s all about collaboration to make sure kids can walk to school without worries.

Another MP, Andy MacNae, chimed in, saying that road safety needs a serious rethink. He pointed out that while some areas have good safety measures, many don’t. It’s like a lottery, depending on where you live. He highlighted the need for proactive measures instead of just reacting to accidents.

MacNae also shared some alarming stats about road deaths in the UK, which have plateaued over the years. He’s particularly concerned about speeding and large vehicles in his area, where roads are narrow and accidents are common. It’s a real issue for residents who live along those busy roads.

Nether Currie Primary School, located in the south west of Edinburgh, has around 186 kids enrolled. They’re all about promoting active travel, encouraging families to walk, scoot, or cycle to school. The school’s website even asks parents to park away from the narrow streets to keep things safe and clear.

It’s clear that the community is passionate about making travel safer for their kids, and it’s great to see these discussions happening. Let’s hope they lead to some real changes!

Image Credits and Reference: https://theedinburghreporter.co.uk/2025/01/road-safety-debate-highlights-active-travel-in-edinburgh/