Pupils driving out careless parking near their school
INCONSIDERATE motorists who park outside school entrances in Tamworth are being targeted in a new safety campaign.
The Ziggy And Zaggy pilot scheme was trialled this week during peak times at two Amington primary schools.
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In the foreground with one of the cards being handed out to parents who park in the restricted areas is Amy Nicholson, aged 10. (TS7106-3836TH)
"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," explained Councillor Jeremy Oates, of Tamworth Borough Council.
"As a parent 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 be the highest priority.
"Add this to the fact that some inconsiderate parkers cause no end of nuisance to our residents living close to schools, and tackling this issue becomes even more pressing.
"There is no excuse for being inconsiderate or impolite to parents, other road users and local residents."
The initiative, which is the brainchild of the borough and county councils, police, parking specialist APCOA and Tamworth schools, saw wardens patrol the schools to monitor motorists.
Following this warning week, civil enforcement officers and police will be enforcing traffic regulations around the schools.
Street wardens, members of the county council's road safety team and police community support officers (PCSOs) also worked with Year Six youngsters to highlight road safety issues around schools.
The children identified dangerous and inconsiderate parking and issued warning postcards.
They identified vehicles parked on footpaths, zig zag or yellow lines, blocking driveways or parked opposite or within 10 metres of a junction.
Motorists were given an advice postcard filled in by the children to warn them of the dangers posed by their hazardous parking.
The class noted the number of postcards handed out during each visit and registration numbers, so pupils can record any improvements.
"Road safety, particularly around vulnerable youngsters, is a top priority for police," added Inspector Emma Griffiths, head of Tamworth Police.
"We are right behind this initiative and would appeal to parents to support it wholeheartedly by respecting the road safety measures in place outside this and other schools.
"We plan to monitor the situation and will take any action necessary to put a stop to dangerous and illegal parking."
Following a review of the pilot, it is hoped the scheme will be rolled out across Tamworth shortly.
In the meantime members of the public are encouraged to report inconsiderate parking to parking@tamworth.gov.uk.
2 Comments
by Droid, Stonydelph
Tuesday, March 09 2010, 10:23AM
“There are schools either end of Fossdale Road. I can reasonably conclude that a good proportion of the children or their parents have walking difficulties judging by the linear car-park that develops at the start and finish of the school day.
It couldn't possibly be idleness, could it?”
by Sue, Perrycroft
Friday, March 05 2010, 2:28PM
“Not only do the parents park and wait for their children on the Ashby Road, they also park and wait in Perrycroft Cresent and Flora Close. This is very anoying because it prevents the resident getting on to their own driveways. All children should be made to walk to school, or travel on the bus, in this way it woulds prevent over weight children. I was never transported to school, I always had to walk, it was a mile and a half each way. Friends say they had to catch the school bus. Then if they missed that is was to walk upto 8 miles.”