PUPILS from St Matthew’s CE Primary School, Bradford, will be in police uniform when they issue “parking tickets” to parents as part of a week-long Road Safety Campaign.

School Council members will be patrolling Ivy House Road, behind the school, on Thursday and Friday as parents drop off their children at school and issue “parking tickets”.

The “parking tickets” will be in official parking ticket pouches, but inside will be leaflets about good parking practice, road safety and using a mobile while driving, designed and produced by the school council. The children will be accompanied by school staff, community wardens and West Yorkshire Police.

The following week police and wardens will be in the same street where they will issue real parking tickets, if necessary.

Concerns about poor parking led to the school council being asked to lead the campaign which will be launched by them at a special assembly today to which parents are invited. After the school council presentation, parents will receive a parking leaflet from Bradford Council’s Road Safety Unit

Leading up to the week of activities, the school council has been assisted in developing a programme of events by teacher Kirsty Keates and Ward Officer Marie Copley

Events will include a poster competition and the winning posters will be laminated and placed outside the school. The school council will also run a quiz for pupils with prizes related to road safety.

On Wednesday the school council will hold a coffee morning for parents at 9am to share information about road safety. The parents will also take part in road safety activities with their children.

Acting Headteacher Kay Remmer said: “Poor parking is a major issue for St Matthew’s and the local community. We expect that by taking action, the pupils and staff can not only raise awareness of the issues, but make a significant difference.

“The school council has done a really good job in planning the campaign, with the support of Kirsty Keates and have come up with an action plan they will be working to all week. We are also really grateful to Marie Copley, the Road Safety Unit, West Yorkshire Police and the community wardens for their support.”