Parking campaign outside three Leicester schools pays off

A new campaign aimed at tackling dangerous parking outside three city schools has had an immediate effect.

Police officers from the Fosse neighbourhood beat team and city council street wardens have teamed up with schools in Newfoundpool to deter motorists who park on zig-zag lines and double yellow lines outside school gates.

The two-week initiative is being held at Inglehurst Infant and Junior Schools, in Ingle Street, and Fosse Primary School, in Balfour Street.

A total of 17 cars were issued with an advisory notice on the first day – Monday – and one vehicle was seized by police for having no insurance.

However, on Tuesday, no vehicles were found to be parked illegally, while just a handful of offenders has been cautioned in the past two days.

Police and street wardens have been putting on extra patrols between 8.30am and 9.15am and 2.45pm and 3.30pm, when parents are dropping off and picking up their children.

Danny Bullock, head teacher of Inglehurst Junior School, said: "It has been a great success, so far. We've already seen a remarkable reduction in the number of vehicles parking illegally outside the school."

He said the issue came to a head after a large number of complaints were received from residents and parents about the behaviour of some drivers.

"The response, so far, from mums and dads, has been very positive," said Mr Bullock.

"Most parents only live nearby but many insist on driving their children to school.

"The problem is compounded in Ingle Street by the fact it's so narrow, with residents having to park in the street outside their homes."

The three schools are displaying large banners, bought with the help of the police, carrying the message, "parking on zig-zags is selfish and dangerous".

Mr Bullock said: "The children have also been involved. We've been discussing road safety in assembly and they've been talking about the issue with their parents. ."

Pupil Harry Johnson, 10, of New Parks, said: "I think it's a really good idea.

"People who park on double yellow lines can stop police cars, fire engines or ambulances from getting through if their is an emergency."

Motorists who park on zig-zag lines are given a leaflet and an advisory notice, which is followed up with a warning letter.

Those who park illegally on double yellow lines are issued with a �30 fixed penalty notice.

Since Monday, 32 warning letters and 10 parking tickets have been issued.

Pc Andy Goadby, of the Fosse neighbourhood beat team, said: "It shows that if parents set out just a little bit earlier, there is no need for them to park illegally outside the school gates."

The campaign will continue for another week.

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