A TRAFFIC ban outside primary schools could spread across the county after councillors agreed to the first permanent order outside a trio of Haddington schools.

An 18-month ‘experimental’ traffic regulation order (TRO) was created at the end of January 2014.

It banned vehicles from Neilson Park Road, Victoria Road and Wemyss Place – three roads around Haddington’s primary schools – at key points in the school day (8.30-9.30am and 3-4pm Monday to Thursday; 8.30-9.30am and 11.45am-12.45pm on Fridays).

Following the council cabinet’s decision on Tuesday, Councillor Michael Veitch, transport spokesman for East Lothian Council, described the existing order as having “proven to be very popular at improving road safety awareness”.

He said: “Because of this, the decision has been made to make the TRO permanent. Road safety, and in particular road safety for children, is a high priority for East Lothian Council, and the vehicle ban around the Haddington schools is just one of the initiatives on which we have been working recently.

“Other projects include trial vehicle bans at other schools, 20mph speed limits in a number of residential areas and promoting safe active travel in schools.Although we have received good feedback on the vehicle ban, a number of other road safety concerns were raised through the survey.

“These will be looked at closely to see how any further improvements can be made, such as improving awareness of the ban and greater monitoring of the roads nearby.” Police Scotland said the TRO had “greatly helped both pedestrians and cyclists”, had made the streets “quieter” and created a “safer environment”.

Fourteen penalty tickets had been handed out by police during the Haddington trial, though police are not monitoring the location every school day.

Police, who “100 per cent supported” the TRO being made permanent, admitted in a statement: “When officers are not present, some drivers ignore the TRO.” Councillor Willie Innes, council leader, was similarly happy to see the scheme had been a success.

He said: “Clearly, safety of children is paramount. I think it is slightly ironic that we are protecting children from other parents.

“I think it is sad when we have to come to that but we are determined we will protect children and if it means banning cars then we will.” In a report to cabinet members on Tuesday morning, councillors were given feedback from the headteacher and parent councils at Haddington Infant and St Mary’s Primary School joint campus, as well as the nearby King’s Meadow Primary School.

They welcomed the scheme and asked whether further restrictions had been considered.

At the moment, the ban lasts on the three streets, The morning times are the same on Fridays but the later ban last from 11.45am to 12.45pm, during term times.

The report from Haddington Infant School said: “I think the restrictions could be widened to include Meadowpark and Tynebank Road.

“Although the initiative has been successful in reducing the traffic on Victoria Road and Neilson Park Road, it has led to the less responsible members of our community driving on Meadowpark and stopping their vehicles on the corner at the playing fields.” Similar concerns were raised by St Mary’s Primary regarding Meadowpark, and King’s Meadow Primary highlighted concerns about parking on Mill Wynd, near Aubigny Sports Centre.

A trial scheme is also in place on Dunbar’s Countess Crescent, beside the John Muir campus of the town’s primary school. And it’s believed that other schools such as Cockenzie Primary School could be next in line.

Dunbar ward councillor Norman Hampshire noted that there were still “a minority” of parents who attempted to flout the order.

He questioned if improved signage could be put in place to try to further alert drivers to restrictions.

Alan Stubbs, service manager, roads, with East Lothian Council, told members that initially it was a case of educating and alerting drivers to the new restrictions.

However, up until May 28, nine tickets had been issued to drivers who were caught in the restricted zone in Dunbar.

Councillor Stuart Currie, SNP Group leader, added: “It still amazes me and I’m not sure what size of signs there would have to be [to stop drivers].

“You can see them on Google Earth but presumably those ticketed are now aware of the TRO and don’t want to fall foul again.

“In terms of children’s safety, there can be no compromise, no second best.

“We must do whatever is appropriate.”