A SCHEME to tackle bad parking around schools in Bradford has been extended to another four schools in the run up to Christmas.

Fifty tickets have been issued to motorists so far in the initiative, which is cracking down on illegal and inconsiderate parking around schools across the district.

The tickets were all issued for road traffic offences, with three motorists also receiving Section 59 warnings - which allow police to seize a vehicle if it is involved in further anti-social use.

One vehicle was also seized as the driver did not have insurance.

Four more schools have now signed up for the scheme for the last weeks of this term, and police have said the operation is likely to continue in the New Year.

It has been set up by West Yorkshire Police in cooperation with Bradford Council following complaints from residents, parents, and schools across the district.

Officers spend two weeks at each school, the first educating drivers on the dangers of inconsiderate parking and why it is safer to park further away form school, and the second prosecuting anyone who parks their vehicle illegally or inconsiderately.

Parents and children who live a short distance from their school are also advised of the health benefits of walking to school.

If problems with bad parking continue after the enforcement week, further operations to tackle the problem could be put in place.

Sergeant Adrian Wright, from West Yorkshire Police, has led the initiative. He said: “We are pleased with what has been achieved in the first phase and will be looking to build on that as we move towards Christmas. We hope that the motorists who we have spoken to, as well as others who may have seen our activities, are giving more thought to where they park when they pick up and drop off their children.

“Road safety measures such as zig-zags are there to keep school users safe and motorists should always avoid parking on these as they are likely to cause an obstruction.”

Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s executive member for regeneration, planning and transport, said he is pleased to see the impact that the scheme is having.

He said: "Tackling irresponsible parking around schools is in everyone’s interest.

“Motorists parking illegally could be placing children in danger and cause needless inconvenience to local residents.

“People dropping their children off for school must park responsibly and we would encourage parents, where they can, to make the journey on foot.”

Any schools that would like to be considered for the scheme are asked to contact the police's Neighbourhood Support Team Hub at bradford.asb@westyorkshire.pnn.police.uk.