CONCERNS have been raised about drivers flouting restrictions on a busy street outside Dunbar Primary School.

Vehicles are not allowed on Countess Crescent, beside the John Muir Campus of the school, between certain times Monday to Friday.

However, Police Constable Gavin Ross told members of the town’s community and police partnership (CAPP) meeting that there were issues with people ignoring the restrictions.

He said: “We get reports about the primary school regularly.

“On bad weather days, vehicles illegally drive along the restricted zone and go into the car park, which is for disabled badges only.”

All vehicles – other than blue badge and permit holders, as well as emergency vehicles – are banned from driving on Countess Crescent between 8.30am and 9.30am Monday to Friday.

Vehicles are also banned from 2.45pm to 3.45pm Monday-Thursday and 11.45am to 12.45pm on a Friday.

Cars would have to drive along Countess Crescent to access the small car park, which is made up of more than half a dozen spaces for drivers with blue badges.

Penny Morriss, community councillor, highlighted there were a number of parents who used the car park at the nearby Bleachingfield Centre, instead of driving into the restricted zone.

However, there were also a number of parents who flouted the restrictions and put other youngsters at risk.

Speaking last Friday, she appreciated resources were stretched with police but felt a presence to re-enforce the restrictions could help.

She added: “It would not go amiss to have a police presence for a short period of time to remind people there is a closure for a reason.”

Councillor Michael Veitch, the local authority’s spokesman for road and transport and a Dunbar and East Linton ward member, was also at the CAPP meeting.

He noted there were car parks available for anyone to use on both Countess Road and at the Bleachingfield Centre and added: “The vast majority of people do respect the restriction but there are a very small number who have not been.”