Bebington and Clatterbridge parents to be punished for dangerous school parking

Oct 15 2008 by Lorna Hughes, Bromborough and Bebington News

Chris Teggin

PARENTS in Bebington and Clatterbridge have been warned to expect punishment if they park irresponsibly outside their child’s school.

Police have launched a crackdown on motorists who stop or park on zig-zag lines and across junctions at the beginning and end of the school day.

New Neighbourhood Inspector Andy Wise has launched a zero tolerance campaign to crack down on the practice, which he says is a major road safety issue.

The operation has been kickstarted with a letter from Inspector Wise to all schools in the area.

He told last week’s Bebington and Clatterbridge area forum: “Every headteacher in this area has had the letter. I hope every child has now also had a letter from their school to give to their parents about a no-tolerance parking campaign outside schools.

“Police officers and PCSOs have been asked to be visible and to enforce it because this is very important.

“Children need to be protected when they’re coming in and out of their school.”

Inspector Wise told the forum he believed punishments like fixed penalty notices would encourage parents to think about where they park.

Clatterbridge councillor Chris Teggin told the meeting: “It’s the way in which parents delivering their children to school abandon their motor vehicles for the sake of saving a few seconds."

Leaflets are being given to drivers urging them to consider whether children could be walked to schools and warning they could be prosecuted for parking on zig zag lines.

Cllr Teggin told the News: “It’s about people not coming out in time, about being in a bit of a hurry, about stopping 300 yards away and not being prepared to walk for a few more minutes.

“My son is 35 and when he was six I pulled up on the zig zag lines outside the school - I was told off and I didn’t do it again.

“We need to protect our smallest and more vulnerable citizens.”

One parent at a Bebington school, who asked not to be named, said: “I don’t think many people will listen.

“A lot of them will be prepared to risk a fine to save time dropping the kids off in the morning.”