WITH Bradford having the fastest-growing young population outside London, there is clearly a risk of the scramble for parking places, at the start and end of the school day, intensifying as class sizes increase.

But it’s in nobody’s interests for the situation to turn into a free-for-all, with drivers double parking, abandoning vehicles on zig-zags, obstructing junctions or blocking driveways.

Amid complaints from residents, parents and school bosses, the new crackdown on illegal parking is a welcome and much-needed move.

The safety of children is paramount, so it’s reassuring to see action being taken against motorists whose parking jeopardises the well-being of youngsters.

Quite rightly, the first week of the campaign will revolve around efforts to educate offending motorists, pointing out the advantages of parking away from school grounds. However, if the initial softly-softly approach does not have the desired effect, the authorities must not hesitate in taking tough action against those who persist with their selfish behaviour.

Family life can be hectic, getting a child prepared for school on time can be a challenge, and there are many other factors that can mean a parent or carer is pushed for time in a morning. But surely, in the interests of child safety and residents’ quality of life, people can leave home five minutes earlier to allow time to park safely, further away from the school gates.

Better still, those who are close enough to walk the whole distance could increase road safety and help to tackle Bradford’s obesity problem at the same time!

Crackdown starts over poor parking outside schools