PARENTS from an Irvine primary school have launched a new campaign to reduce traffic congestion outside the school gates.

Woodlands Primary School’s Parent Council have spent the last two years fighting for greater safety measures outside the school gates.

And they have now taken a further step to try and reduce traffic in Woodlands Avenue by launching a map to encourage parents to walk their children to school.

The five-minute walk zone gives parents the option to walk to the school or, if taking the car, park at the edge of the zone and walk the last five minutes.

It is the first scheme of its kind to be introduced in North Ayrshire with the Parent Council being inspired by similar initiatives in England.

Previously the Times told how North Ayrshire Council made alterations to Woodlands Avenue was unpopular with the Parent Council fearing a child could be seriously injured.

Since then, the parents have worked with the council and Police Scotland on improving safety in the street with new zig-zag lines introduce to reduce the number of parked cars.

Last Thursday, April 28, Provost Joan Sturgeon joined parents and officers to mark the launch of the five-minute walk zone.

Rachel Gillespie, chair of Woodlands Parent Council, said: “Things have improved a lot with the new markings and on the whole parents are being more considerate.

“But there’s still a tremendous amount of cars, when it rains that whole area is mobbed.

“We want to try and make people think why not park a wee bit further away, they’d be surprised how quickly they can walk.

“Initially it was a bit of a challenge getting the police and the council to listen to us but they really took it on board to bring in the changes.”

Rachel added: “The kids have been great they’ve taken it on board but at the end of the day they’ll have to go with what their parents decide.

“It is a problem locally with every school so hopefully we can inspire others to take it on.

“The situation is still dangerous with so many parked cars but hopefully we can make a difference and get more people involved.”