Renewed drive to improve road safety outside Galashiels primary school

A Galashiels mum reveals she's so concerned about road safety outside her child's school - she pulls on a high-viz vest to direct traffic.

Amanda Blackie's been speaking to Greatest Hits Radio as Scottish Borders Council reveals plans to make the street one-way - a move which is being widely welcomed.

The six-month trial outside Burgh Primary in Gala Park is set to start in April. And, if successful, could be made permanent.

"This road isn't safe at all," Amanda said. "We have a huge problem with people parking and ignoring the clearly signed areas. We have a problem with speed. And, because traffic is going both ways, you can also be stuck in gridlock here for up to 20 minutes.

"I've put this (vest) on over the years after there's been incidents. The first time I pulled it on, there was a child actually clipped by a wing mirror of a car; and (this week) a pupil and their mother were almost hit by a van."

But she added: "I think the one-way system will make a big difference."

Traffic cones have had to be placed on the road outside Burgh Primary - to stop vehicles parking on the zig-zags, and over the sign which reads "School, keep clear", in bright yellow lettering.

We also witnessed vehicles abandoned on double yellow lines.

The problems have been exacerbated in recent times due to road works in neighbouring streets - not least those connected to the construction of the town's new secondary school.

One mum told us she was so concerned about the traffic she takes her child to a school in a quieter part of town, further away.

The new one-way system will see no entry to Gala Park from Livingstone Place.

At the opposite end of the street, by the Morrisons Daily store, Balmoral Place will remain two-way.

Changes are also being made to the pavements to create shorter distances for pedestrians to cross at the junctions.

The improvements are being driven forward by local authority leader Euan Jardine, who represents the area on Scottish Borders Council.

He revealed council officers, on a site visit, witnessed a number of instances where vehicles were meeting each other and there was no suitable location to pass - causing vehicles to reverse outside of the school.

Councillor Jardine said: "You 've got people on the pavement, people trying to cross the road, people trying to use the shop, and everywhere there's children and young people; it's just real chaos.

"Last year we got traffic lights put in (in nearby Scott Street - a walking route to school); but more and more people were telling me it's actually the school pick-up and drop-off points that's causing problems.

"So I've spoken to the council's officers and they've decided to bring in a one-way system which should make a difference.

"It will create five new car parking spaces, and a disabled bay. The zig-zags will go, but it should help the flow of traffic, and help accommodate those people who really are worried about what's happening. Because road safety for young people is the key priority here."

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