Calls for traffic action to protect school children

One councillor said four crashes, including a fatal, happened in one area this year

Councillors have called for more protection for children following reports of illegal parking on double yellow lines and zigzags near schools.

Councillor Chris Wood's motion asking Plymouth City Council for increased enforcement and a public awareness campaign to highlight the dangers of illegal parking was backed by all members.

While he recognised enforcement was taking place, Wood said the situation outside many schools "remained unacceptable".

The council has employed a dedicated enforcement officer to cover five schools in the Ham and Beacon Park area and plans to recruit another for more schools.

'Families in harm's way'

Wood added: "Too many drivers still take a gamble and the risk they create is all too real. There is reduced visibility for children crossing roads, congestion that frustrates residents and blocked access for emergency vehicles.

"When markings designed for safety are ignored, children and families are put in harm's way and that is something this council should not accept."

Councillor Kate Taylor, who is also a school governor, said people in the communities around Pennycross Primary School and Mayflower Academy were asking for action.

She said four serious crashes in Ham Drive in the last year, one resulting in a fatality, had led to mounting pressure to resolve issues around traffic chaos.

A number of measures had been implemented including 20mph signs, speed monitoring and a traffic light crossing, she said.

John Stephens, cabinet member for strategic planning and transport, said 53 penalty notices had been issued and 313 vehicles had been moved on since an enforcement officer was appointed in September.

Other initiatives included mobile enforcement cameras, pedestrian counts and training and flashing 20mph signs outside schools.

Councillor Jaime Bannerman said it was important parents were being encouraged to walk their children to school if they could, park safely and set a positive example.

Members agreed as part of the motion that a progress report be brought back to a scrutiny meeting within six months.