A new initiative, the Park and Stride scheme, has been implemented at the Blairgowrie Community Campus, benefitting pupils from Newhill Primary School and St Stephen’s RC Primary School. The introduction of a drop-off and pick-up zone on Hazelwood Road has been met with enthusiasm from Blairgowrie and Glens councillor Tom McEwan, who had pledged this scheme during his 2022 council election campaign.
Both primary schools, along with the nursery, are part of the Blairgowrie Community Campus. Similar programmes have been successfully established at various schools in Perth and Kinross, aiming to enhance road safety and promote active modes of transportation such as walking, cycling, and scooting among children.
A spokesperson from Perth and Kinross Council highlighted the completion of the drop-off and pick-up layby on Hazelwood Road. Situated on the north side of the road, the layby offers children a continuous path to school without the need to navigate a busy main road. The project was developed in collaboration with local elected members and the Community Council, ensuring a comprehensive approach to school transportation safety.
The ‘Park and Stride’ concept has long been utilised by the council to support and enhance travel options to and from schools, encouraging students and their families to embrace active travel choices. Councillor Tom McEwan expressed his satisfaction with the scheme’s development, particularly noting its alignment with the successful school exclusion zone (SEZ) introduced in 2021.
The SEZ had effectively addressed issues such as blocked driveways during school drop-offs, ensuring smoother traffic flow and access for residents. Councillor McEwan emphasised the importance of the new drop-off zone for Newhill Primary School, situated conveniently near the school on Hazelwood Road. He highlighted the collaborative effort to design new signage with input from pupils, underscoring the community engagement aspect of the initiative.
The Park and Stride scheme at Blairgowrie Community Campus marks a positive step towards fostering safe and active travel choices for schoolchildren, reflecting a commitment to road safety and sustainable transportation practices within the local community.