MEASURES need to be taken to reduce "parking chaos" in a residential street caused by parents on school runs, a councillor has warned

Residents in Lower Rushton Road, Thornbury, Bradford, say the street is blocked twice day by parents parking to collect their children from Thornbury Academy.

"The school's main entrance is off Dick Lane but there is no access for parents' cars," said Councillor Riaz Ahmed (Lib Dem, Bradford Moor)

"There are only a handful of parking spaces nearby at the front so the majority of parents collecting their children access the school from the back off Lower Rushton Road.

"It is chaos in that road at school opening and closing times. The road is almost impassible for motorists getting to Dick Lane at those times because of people parking as near to the rear of the school as they can with no regard for other road users or residents.

"There are also parking issues in nearby Rowan Avenue with residents' driveways being blocked by inconsiderate people."

Earlier this month residents in Rowan Avenue were refused a residents' parking system by members of Bradford East Area Committee for fear of pushing the parking problem elsewhere.

"There are a number of things that could be done to address the parking and safety problem here," Cllr Ahmed said. "Firstly parents who live close by need to be encouraged to walk their children to school instead of using a car. It will help reduce child obesity.

"Another measure would be to put effective speed humps along Lower Rushton Road to slow down speeding drivers which is another issue along here.

"Only recently a child leaving school was hit by a quad bike driver and he suffered a broken leg in two places.

"I am told parents have been asked not to park irresponsibly or near the rear entrance of the school but they continue to.

"Another suggestion may be to look into using some spare land opposite the school in Dick Lane. It could alleviate a lot of the problem.

"I understand the land may be owned by Leeds City Council so it would need investigating. There is currently a cycle lane running along it but I still think it is worth exploring.

Cllr Ahmed also said the police should be asked to monitor the dangerous driving and parking issues there.

"The residents here need help from the police and the Council," he said.

One mother who takes her daughter to school in the car because she lives too far away to walk says she is concerned for the children's safety.

Marya Mirza said: "Cars are parked all over the place and even into Gurbax Court to be as near the school as they can. It is dangerous for children. I really think there needs to be a school crossing patrol to keep children safe. A boy was knocked down recently and injured."

Ibrar Ahmed, a cab driver who lives in Lower Rushton Road, said: "The speed some drivers come along here is outrageous. There need to be better speed humps or a chicane system."

A Bradford Council spokesman said: "The Bradford East Area Committee recently considered a petition regarding parking issues around Thornbury Academy.

"The committee resolved to carry out a number of action points, including working with the Academy to increase awareness of local parking and safety issues.

"There are currently no proposals to create additional parking areas but officers will continue to monitor the area and will make further recommendations based on their observations, if required."