COUNCILLORS have pledged to continue to clampdown on illegal parking by parents which is plaguing a Bradford primary school.

Police and council wardens have been carrying out patrols but one parent described scenes outside Home Farm school, off Cooper Lane, as being like 'Wacky Races'.

The man, who did not want to be named, accused 'lazy' parents of putting children - including his own - at risk as they jostle for parking spaces on yellow lines, pavements and zig-zag lines in Home Farm Close.

He also said some parents zip out of spaces to get back out towards Cooper Lane as quickly as possible.

His views were backed by Queensbury ward councillors Lisa Carmody and Paul Cromie, who also criticised the behaviour of some drivers, and Bradford Council's highways chief, Councillor Val Slater.

"It is the risk that the parents are putting the children at," said the man, 48.

"It is a blatant disregard for the children's safety in preference to their own lethargy. They are being lazy.

"It is all about convenience for the parent. I used to walk a mile to school - these parents will not even do 400 yards."

He added: "Of those that park on the street, it is like a scene from Wacky Races as they all want to get from their parking space to the end of the road before getting caught in congestion. It is ridiculous to see."

The man said he feared for the safety of the school's pupils, and added: "There has been a couple of near misses. Something needs to be done before something happens.

"They park on pavements and drive on pavements - it is absolutely ludicrous."

Councillor Slater, Bradford Council's executive member for housing, planning and transport, said: "We have been working closely with the school and the police to improve the situation outside Home Farm Primary at drop-off and pick-up times as we take any concerns extremely seriously.

"We are sending a warden to Home Farm Primary as often as possible and we also held a day of action last month encouraging parents to take responsibility and set a good example by driving and parking safely around school. We will continue in these efforts as people’s safety is paramount."

Councillor Lisa Carmody (Con, Queensbury) said parking wardens had carried out enforcement action on the road a few weeks ago, issuing numerous tickets.

She added: "When people are illegally parking they are causing a danger to children. Parking on pavements means they have to walk round cars to get to and from school.

"It is laziness because it cannot be too far to walk. If there is nowhere safe to park, you park further away. I would certainly not park illegally."

Cllr Paul Cromie (Ind, Queensbury) said: "It is a nightmare.

"It is a long-standing complaint - it has been going on for years down there. We have had special surveys with the wardens present, monitoring it at certain times.

"If you go down there at school times you struggle to get in and get past.

"It is a danger to children."