Netherthird Primary School's School Streets initiative has officially started, as the new building opened its doors.

The school officially welcomed staff and pupils for their first day yesterday, after a number of delays in building.

Along with the new school comes part of East Ayrshire Council's School Streets initiative, which aims to reduce traffic around schools in the morning and afternoon.

READ MORE: Head teacher's delight as pupils and staff get first taste of new Netherthird school

The scheme was originally set to be rolled out last year when the school was planned for opening in October.

During the restricted periods - weekdays at school opening and closing times - only permit holders, blue badge holders, school transport vehicles (including contracted taxis) and exempted vehicles will be able to drive on the affected roads.

Roads around the school will be closed from 8.40am to 9.05am and again from 2.45pm to 3.15pm during the school term.

Cumnock Chronicle: Schools will be restricted in the morning and the afternoon.Schools will be restricted in the morning and the afternoon. (Image: Charlie Gilmour)

Residents in the streets affected will be classified as 'permit holders' and will be issued with two free permits per household for their vehicles so that they can access their property at any time of day.

For parents of children at Netherthird Primary who normally drive to school, East Ayrshire Council says that the Netherthird Community Centre car park can be used as a 'park and stride' facility, with parents and their children able to walk the short distance between the car park and the school.

The trial was initially set to last until the February mid-term, but given that pupils started the school after this point, it's expected the trial will run until the summer holidays.

Cumnock Chronicle: The trial could last until the summer.The trial could last until the summer. (Image: Charlie Gilmour)

The initiative has been made a permanent fixture at Catrine Primary and at St Sophia's Primary in Galston after successful intial trial periods.

Councillor Neal Ingram, East Ayrshire Council's cabinet member for community safety, roads and transportation, said: "Ultimately, we want to do all that we can to increase the safety of vulnerable road users, and in particular younger children, when they are travelling to and from school.

"School Streets are also a fantastic way of encouraging more active ways of travelling, such as walking, cycling or scooting, which make the school journey healthier as well as safer.”