The problem of parking near schools is a perennial one, both for parents and staff.

On the one hand, many families have children who attend schools which are not within walking distance and have little choice but to drive, especially when children are of primary school age.

On the other, schools - especially older ones - are often situated on narrow residential streets, and the proliferation of parents' vehicles at drop off and pick-up times clogs the roads for residents and other motorists.

But by far the biggest problem is the potential danger to pedestrians. Parents jockeying for spaces with their cars, reversing in and out of narrow gaps and facing off against each other along the carriageway is a recipe for disaster when coupled with the fact that children are often running around in these areas.

There have been efforts to combat this situation by placing parking restrictions outside schools, but many parents simply ignore the road markings.

A concerted effort by the council to put a halt to this has resulted in record numbers of penalties being issued by wardens, with the figure so far in this financial year far outstripping the previous year.

It is good that this action is being taken, because it will hopefully drive home the message that the areas around schools should be as traffic-free as possible.

If you cannot walk to school with your children from home, you should set off a little bit earlier, park safely and well away from the school, and walk the rest of the way.

This will alleviate the parking stresses and also give a bit of much-needed exercise to the youngest generation.