TWO near misses last Friday caused by people parking on zigzag lines outside Batchley First School prompted staff and parents to take action against unthinking drivers on Monday morning.
Headteacher Matt Whiteley said that, in common with schools up and down the country, there was a problem with parents parking in areas which should be left clear for families to safely cross the road to get to the Cherry Tree Walk school.
“We had a couple of near misses on Friday with families caught between cars on the zigzag lines and we wanted to make a point to other parents that we do not want them to park there,” said Mr Whiteley.
“At Batchley we are lucky to have a large parking area adjacent to the site which parents are welcome to use.”
The morning action saw parents passing on the message to drivers encroaching on the zigzag area by the school.
“It’s a safety issue and parents should be made aware of it and abide by the law,” said Mr Whiteley.
“It’s the pace of living these days, people have to rush to be somewhere but that is no excuse for putting families at risk.
“Is a few minutes saved really worth it if it could end with someone being hurt?”
Parent Melanie Murray, whose son attends the school, added: “Some of the parking beggars belief but hopefully what we’ve been doing will stop people before someone gets killed.
“I’ve also contacted the traffic wardens to see if someone will come out and monitor the situation. All it needs is for someone to get a £50 fine and word will get about and it might make them think twice before parking in the wrong place again.”
