Pupils at Glasgow declare no-parking zone at their primary school amid safety concerns

Students at a primary school in Glasgow’s east end have taken action to improve road safety by declaring a no-parking zone outside their school gates.

Pupils at Riverbank Primary have raised concerns about motorists parking on the pavements of Sunnybank Road during school pick-up times, which they say has led to several dangerous incidents.

Calling themselves the ‘Junior Parking Officers’, the students have taken matters into their own hands. They’ve created handmade signs – dubbed ‘parking buddies’ – to discourage pavement parking and speeding near the school.

“Cars park here a lot,” said one of the junior parking officers.

“When we have our discos, it’s hard for people to walk by. If someone accidentally scrapes a car, it can cause an argument,” the student explained.

Another pupil added: “Around 3 o’clock, a lot of cars start arriving, and if they’re parked on the pavement, it makes it harder for children to cross safely.”

In support of the initiative, the school and parents have installed a large banner outside the school as a parking pledge, urging drivers not to park along Sunnybank Road during peak times.

Deputy principal Judy Bennett confirmed that Glasgow City Council has been involved in the effort.

She said: “They’ve agreed that the safety of our children is a priority.

“This summer – or very soon – yellow zigzag lines will be painted outside the school. These will be legally enforceable to prevent parking on the pavements.”

Riverbank Primary is also planning to expand as more families look to enrol their children, which could increase traffic in the area.

In the meantime, students are ensuring their safety – and that of their classmates – is not compromised during busy school hours.