POLICE have stepped in to warn parents about road safety outside a Coventry primary school.
There have been ‘serious concerns’ raised about parking during pick-up and drop-off times at Southfields Primary on East Street, HIllfields.
The school has teamed up with West Midland Fire Service, West Midlands Police – Hillfields Neighbourhood Team – and Coventry City Council Parking Enforcement to target problem parking.
The school council surveyed parents and passing members of the public about their views on the growing issue.
A letter was also addressed to parents and guardians of children at the school from PCSO (Police Community Support Officer) Alex Insull.
It reads: “I have recently become the link between Southfields Primary and West Midlands Police.
“While having initial conversations with the school I have been made aware of serious concerns surrounding parking during dropping off and picking up times outside the school.
“This is also a concern to me hearing how pavements have been blocked by cars parking illegally causing obstructions which stop parents with pushchairs from getting past, and having no choice but to walk in the road.
“This not only puts themselves but also their children in danger.
“In addition to this there has been a case where a child has hit their head on a vehicles wing mirror due to the car being parked half on the footpath.
“While I appreciate that there’s always an issue with parking nationwide when it comes to parking at school times, however I would like to ask that you are considerate when dropping off and picking up.
“We are able to and WILL ticket illegally/dangerously parked vehicles which can result in fines and points on offending driver’s licenses, obviously we do want to avoid this inconvenience to you and we don’t want to have to reach this level of action.
“But, if this is the way the important message gets across then I am more than happy to do so.
“I am sure that we ALL agree that the priority is children getting to and from school safely!
“Please ensure you DO NOT
-Park on white zig-zags covering crossing areas.
-Park OR Stop at any time on yellow ‘school’ zig-zags.
-Obstruct the road by parking on pavements.
-Parking in a dangerous position.
“THESE ARE ALL OFFENCES AND CAN RESULT IN PROSECUTIONS.”
