INCONSIDERATE and illegal parking too close to school entrances is a countrywide problem.

Across the Bradford district complaints are received throughout the year, from schools, parents, residents and the emergency services.

In an effort to highlight the problems that are being created West Yorkshire Police and Bradford Council are working on a joint initiative to engage with schools and the wider community on issues of inconsiderate parking around school drop off and pick up times.

A number of schools across the district - around which there are concerns over these issues - are taking part in a week of education to raise awareness, followed by ‘zero tolerance’ enforcement by police officers and Council wardens, plus further enforcement days.

Letters and leaflets about parking around school gates have been sent to parents, and banners and lamppost boards will display information.

“School gate parking and the issues it creates is an ongoing problem which affects a number of people,” says Sue Snoddy, casualty reduction and road safety partnership manager with Bradford Council’s road safety and area co-ordinators teams. “We need to keep reminding parents that this is the case and encourage them to park considerately.”

The letter has informed people about patrols by police officer and wardens to ensure that drivers not obeying traffic regulation orders are identified and appropriate enforcement action taken.

Posters contain reminders such as not parking in a ‘keep clear zone’, avoiding pavements and not obstructing nearby driveways.

During the week, police and Council wardens will work with a number of pupils, patrolling the school during the morning drop off. The youngsters - who will be provided with mini police uniforms - will be looking out for inconsiderate parking, as well as people failing to wear seat belts or use car seats, or using mobile phones.

The week is also being used to raise awareness of safety in cars generally. “Sone parents are still unaware that they should be using seatbelts or child seats,” says Sue. Others use inappropriate or poorly-fitted car seats.”

The autumn term is a key time for such initiatives. Adds Sue: “It provides a fresh reminder to all parents including those of new starters. In many ways it’s an appeal to parents to think about others.”

Parents can now choose which primary school to which they send their child and that choice may not be the school closest to their home, meaning that some have to drive, and some may go on to work.

“In these situations we are asking parents to plan ahead and look at parking perhaps a few minutes away where they are causing a problem to anyone walking,” says Sue. “Some parents can walk yet won’t, so we try to promote the benefits of walking.”

Sergeant Adrian Wright, of the neighbourhood team support hub for Bradford district, said the problem was widespread. “We are targeting primary schools to educate children and get the message to them early. Hopefully, they will pass it on to parents and carers.”

Some vehicles contravene parking laws, by stopping on the yellow zig-zag lines outside schools, advising motorists to keep clear. Adds Sgt Wright: “The zig-zag lines in front of schools are there to provide a good sight line for people crossing. When people park here, others have to cross between parked cars which compromises safety.”

He says the initiative is very much about working with the community and responding to concerns. “People are letting us know about issues such as this and we are responding.”

Schools have been selected in east, south and west Bradford, as well as in Shipley and Keighley.

The campaign and its progress will be discussed at ward partnership meetings, and schools will be able to request an information package telling them what they can do.

Teachers can involve children in activities such as banner design competitions, surveys as to how pupils travel to school or by writing a school safety newsletter. Schools are also encouraged to promote walking to school as a free and good way to exercise, leaving pupils more alert and ready for earning. Walking also enables pupils to learn vital road safety skills.

Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s portfolio holder for regeneration, planning and transport, says the initiative will bring huge benefits: “People parking irresponsibly in school areas is a long-running problem and something we need to work with the police to clampdown on.

"These motorists, most of whom are parents or carers themselves, are not considering the dangers they pose to school children, and the inconvenience caused to local residents, when all they need to do is park slightly further away and walk a few extra yards, or even make the whole journey on foot if at all possible.”

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