A CRACKDOWN on unsafe parking outside schools in Warwickshire is being launched next week in time for the new school year.
Warwickshire County Council (WCC) says it will ‘actively enforce’ parking at a number of schools in the Rugby, Leamington and Stratford areas from September 1, when children return to school after the summer holidays.
Uniformed officers will patrol outside schools in the county to monitor compliance, engage with drivers and parents, and raise awareness about the importance of safe and legal parking.
Vehicles parked in School Keep Clear zones during operational hours, or on double yellow lines, will be issued a Penalty Charge Notice of £70, reduced to £35 if paid within 14 days.
A WCC spokesperson said: “Unsafe, inconsiderate parking is still an ongoing concern for teachers, parents and residents. This has led to a rise in traffic-related incidents involving children in Warwickshire.
“While sometimes this is unintentional, parking in ‘School Keep Clear’ zones can create unsafe conditions, reducing visibility, increasing congestion and making it harder for children to cross safely.
“Instead, parents and carers are encouraged to park safely, legally and considerately, a short walk away from the school.”
The initiative is supported by the council’s Road Safety Education Team, which is responsible for delivering Warwickshire’s Safe and Active Schools program.
Coun Jennifer Warren, spokesperson for Transport and Planning at Warwickshire County Council, said: “School Keep Clear zones have various benefits.
“Clearly the safety of the children, parents and staff is key but also it will greatly improve air quality in the school environment and will give children the opportunity to walk from the car to school each day, which is beneficial to physical health and readiness to learn.
“We hope that all parents and carers comply with the regulations so that this important scheme can be introduced with minimal disruption.”
Visit https://tinyurl.com/4x8rrx7p for the full list of schools where parking restrictions will be enforced from September 1.
Visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/schoolparking for more information on school parking restrictions.
Visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/contraveningparkingrestrictions to report parking issues outside schools.
