BELLYEOMAN Primary has issued a reminder to parents that the drop off zone is coned off to prevent parking.

They've taken action due to concerns about pupil safety at the school, which is just off Robertson Road in Dunfermline, and want to leave the driveway free of vehicles. 

There was a near miss before and the school is now encouraging parents and carers - if they must drive - to park further away from the school and to walk in.

As previously reported in the Press, the parent council at the primary school have been contacted on several occasions over concerns about youngsters crossing what is a very busy road when coming to and from school.

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In February 2022, a young girl was left “traumatised” after she was nearly hit by a car when using the zebra crossing at the bottom of the school’s driveway, close to the drop-off zone.

As a result of this, the headteacher took immediate action and banned cars from the school grounds and contacted the police.

A spokesperson for Fife Council said: “The drop-off zone has never been available as a parking zone, but was being used inappropriately and some people were parking unsafely.

“The near miss in 2022 has been a one-off incident and was due to the drop-off zone being used as a parking place.  The cones are put out at key times of the day to prevent it being used for parking. 

“Parents who need to bring cars are asked to park respectfully in the surrounding area. Most pupils of the school live within walking distance and active travel is encouraged.”

Headteacher Ashley Brown confirmed that the parent council has voiced concerns about road safety and said: "A school crossing patrol officer does assist with road crossing at key times of the day.

"However, we're aware that there are still concerns about pupils safely crossing this, often busy, road.

"Our parent council chair recently met with me and with the local community council to discuss parental concerns.

"As a school, we will request a site visit and seek advice from colleagues in the council's Roads and Transportation Services.

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“The community council are also supporting this. Alongside this, we will continue to remind children and families of the vital road safety skills we should all be observing." 

The school has also urged people to take care when parking in surrounding streets to ensure they do not block lowered pavements or driveways for residents.