Parents asked to photograph dangerous parking

Children from Chester-le-Street's Red Rose Primary School are backing the campaign

People are being urged to photograph parking which causes problems outside schools.

A crackdown on dangerous parking could see drivers who block pavements or park too closely to pedestrian crossings prosecuted.

The ParkSafe pilot scheme, backed by schools, police and councils in County Durham, allows the public to send footage directly to police via QR codes.

Joy Allen, the area's Police and Crime Commissioner, said the scheme would empower the public to make communities safer and become "the eyes and ears of the police".

The pilot will operate at Red Rose Primary School in Chester-le-Street, Escomb Primary School in Bishop Auckland and Rydal Academy in Darlington.

It will see traffic officers assess photos and take action, which could include the offer of a mandatory educational course.

Drivers who do not comply could be prosecuted.

Problem parkers have been flouting warnings outside Darlington's Rydal Academy and other schools

ParkSafe was launched in the wake of growing complaints about dangerous illegal parking outside schools.

Ms Allen said she hoped it would act as a strong deterrent, as illegal parking was an issue "raised time and time again" during her meetings with local people.

"I understand how worrying and frustrating it is for residents and the wider school community when drivers continually flout the law, putting children, and other road users in jeopardy," she said.

"This is not acceptable behaviour and will not be tolerated."

Inspector Kevin Salter, from Durham Constabulary's roads and armed policing unit, said the scheme was not about punishment or penalties.

"This is an opportunity to reduce the risk of a collision and keep children and pedestrians safe from harm," he added.