Careless parking puts pupils in danger, says council

Westfield Infant School was highlighted as one of the schools where careless parking was an issue

Children are being put in danger by school-run parents who park on zig zag lines or block pavements, a council has warned.

Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council (HBBC) said there had been a “significant rise” in poor parking outside schools in the district since pupils returned at the end of August.

The council launched its bid to crack down on irresponsible parking after problems at Westfield Infant and Junior schools in Hinckley were highlighted in a meeting, which heard how children were sometimes being forced to cross the road in dangerous places.

Stuart Bray, leader of the borough council, said the authority would tackle the problem through “education and enforcement”.

'Safety risk'

The authority has urged parents and guardians to use designated drop-off zones, park further away from schools or use alternative methods of travel, said the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Jennifer Ruane, headteacher of Westfield Infants, called on parents to take care where they leave their cars to make sure children were safe before and after school.

She said: “Parents and carers are reminded that leaving your car badly parked, even for a few minutes, can cause danger to pupils, other pedestrians, and road users.”

Mr Bray also called on parents to change their ways.

He said: “Every parent knows about those rushed mornings where you need to get the kids to school quickly, but leaving your car in the wrong place can cause more harm than good.”

He added the council would be working with schools in the area, along with Leicestershire County Council, Leicestershire Police and Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service.

Councillor Ozzy O’Shea, county councillor and cabinet member for highways, said work was ongoing to improve safety and encourage sustainable travel for school runs.