DANGEROUS parking outside schools is to be targeted in a campaign launched in Tamworth.

Pupils at Wilnecote Junior School are joining the fight against inconsiderate parking, hoping motorists who ignore officials will listen to their pleas.

Operation Zig and Zag, jointly run by Tamworth Borough Council, Staffordshire County Council and the police, will see the youngsters post warning cards on cars parked in dangerous locations around their Smithy Lane school.

County councillor Lee Bates attended this week's launch.

He said: "Inconsiderate parking not only causes congestion on our roads but can also have more dangerous side effects by causing accidents or preventing emergency vehicles getting to where they need to go.

"I understand some people may be in a hurry to drop off their children at school but their safety and that of other road users must by the highest priority."

The campaign aims to make the roads around schools safer by reducing inconsiderate parking through educating and warning motorists.

Street wardens, road safety officers, PCSOs and councillors visited Wilnecote Junior School this week to the children about road safety – as well as enlisting them in Operation Zig and Zag.

Pupils will patrol the streets looking for cars parked on footpaths, zig-zags and yellow lines.

Cars blocking driveways or parked too close to junctions will also be targeted.

The school will keep a log of the number of cards handed out so it can check progress as the campaign progresses.

Warnings will be given out on Monday February 27, and Friday March 2.

These will be followed by enforcement days on March 5 and 9, when police, PCSOs and civil enforcement officers will fine drivers who break the rules.

Operation Zig and Zag will then extended to all schools across the borough, starting with Heathfields Infant School next month.