Illegaly parked cars are a danger to children and adults

Illegal parkers putting children and adults at risk

Staffordshire's Road Safety team have appealed to parents to use their powers of persuasion to stop other pushy mums and dads from dropping little Johnny off right outside the school gates.

Reports are still coming in to the Clear Streets team, their Road Safety colleagues and direct to County Councillors about the dangerous and selfish habits of a hard core of parent parkers who persistently ignore yellow lines

The reminder is part of a continuing campaign to tackle the tragedy of child road casualties. The long term trend over the last decade has seen a dramatic fall in the trauma and tears, but every incident is one that could have been avoided.

County Cabinet member for Road Safety Councillor Carol Dean said it was particularly frustrating when parents themselves were adding to the danger.

"Some parents seem to have a real blind spot on this one. They think the rules which restrict parking outside the school gates are there for others to obey, just so they can slip through. But this is a serious self-delusion.

"School gates yellow hatching is there because this is a dangerous place for kids. Parked cars cause a real danger, blocking sight lines and generating the chaos that can lead to death or serious injury.

"Remember - it's not just the kids who walk or cycle to school who are risk. That's bad enough! It's your own child too," she said.

County Councillor Jack Barber is meeting directly with parents and teachers at St Anne's Primary in Baswich this week to discuss just this problem.

"Some parents seem to care more about their own busy time schedule than for the safety of their own children. A few seconds saved could cut years from a little one's life.

"You really are not doing your kids a favour by jostling for poll position at the school gates. It's this sort of selfish and childish behaviour that could kill. So grow up and stay away from the school gate. Park with care and walk the last few yards with your offspring. Give them the space and the time to grow up safe and sound," he said.

Page Last Modified: 11/03/2008 10:55:14

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