LGA: 'arrogant parents' risk lives at school gates
| Manchester Council used a tow-truck to lift up a dangerously parked car (see story below) |
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Thousands of children's lives are at risk each day as selfish parents continue to ignore parking rules outside schools, the Local Government Association (LGA) warned last week.
With 41% of primary and 22% of secondary age children being driven to school each day, councils across England are waging war on 'nightmare parents' who continue to ignore the law.
Cllr David Sparks said: "It is ironic that parents say they drive to school because it is safer - when in fact they can make it more dangerous by the way they drive and park. Surely it's not too much to ask that they make children's safety their number one priority. We've even received reports of some parking on footpaths.
"Most school journeys are less than a mile and the lack of consideration for pedestrians and road users in some areas is astounding."
Examples of what councils are doing to combat the problem include:
Wolverhampton City Council is taking over responsibility for the enforcement of parking restrictions. Those who choose to ignore the `school-keep-clear' markings will face a PCN of £60. The police will also continue to enforce obstructive parking, and drivers who block visibility will face a £30 charge.
Buckinghamshire County Council and Thames Valley Police have backed Highcrest Community School in High Wycombe's `name and shame' campaign with local media. Photos of drivers and cars were published to shame offenders into reforming.
Manchester City Council recently launched its campaign by using a tow-truck to lift up a dangerously parked car in an effort to reduce school parking. The council's previous `parking ticket' campaign led to a reduction of up to 200% in the number of parents ignoring parking rules.
Bradford Council has teamed up with West Yorkshire Police in a joint crackdown following a recent parking-related accident involving a child.
Hampshire County Council is to launch a `Does it have to be a car?' campaign, which will see American-style yellow buses (above) collecting pupils from safe points and dropping them off at the school gates.
08.01.07 - Human 'zig zags' get message to parents
02.10.06 - Park Smart and keep children safe, campaign says |
