Families urged to be ‘respectful’ when parking outside schools

LOCAL schools, police and Wiltshire Council are asking drivers to be respectful when they are parking on the street outside schools.

Following complaints about “inconsiderate’ and “dangerous” parking during drop-off and pick-up times at local schools, the Melksham Neighbourhood Policing Team and Wiltshire Council have increased patrols to raise awareness and issue penalty charge notices when appropriate.

A spokesperson for the Melksham Neighbourhood Policing Team said, “It has been brought to our attention that there has been an increase in complaints associated with people parking inconsiderately on pavements, parking at junctions and parking opposite pedestrian crossings.

“We have increased patrols as a result of this, with a particular focus around schools including The Manor School and Forest & Sandridge, Aloeric and Bowerhill Primary Schools.

“The requirement is to provide a minimum of 1.5 metres for pedestrians to pass; this allows space for pushchairs, wheelchairs and people on crutches, as well as parents walking with their children.

“Failing to do so can lead to drivers being prosecuted for obstruction of the highway.”

Some schools have also written to families, appealing for more consideration of others when parking.

Principal Hannah Gordon from The Manor Primary School – one of the schools affected – told Melksham News, “We have had an issue with parents parking temporarily on the double yellow lines near the school. 

“To prevent this problem we issued a letter to all parents explaining the risks involved with this instance of unsafe parking, and encouraging families to walk to school wherever possible. 

“We have also been in contact with the Police and Wiltshire Council, and both parking attendants and Police Community Support Officers have been doing regular patrols in the mornings. These measures have significantly improved the situation.”

PCSO Adam Almond, of the Melksham Neighbourhood Policing Team added, “We would ask drivers to be considerate when parking their vehicles and think about the obstruction they could be causing as a result of where they have stopped, not only to pedestrians, but also other road users to help reduce congestion at busy times.

“While we are under Covid restrictions and encouraging social distancing, we want to support the schools and the local residents to ensure they have the space on the pavements to be safe.

“While it may seem like the most convenient place for you to stop your vehicle, you are causing a potentially dangerous hazard, particularly to young children and those with disabilities.

“It is not acceptable to park in a no waiting restricted area, to block a junction or to obstruct a pedestrian crossing of any kind.

“Dropped kerbs should also be respected and should not be parked across, denying access for those trying to access their homes and properties.”

Wiltshire Council cabinet member for highways, cllr Bridget Wayman said, “We have been visiting schools across Wiltshire, including schools in Melksham, to talk to parents doing the school run. Our aim is to advise and educate parents about the appropriateness of their parking and to think about the impact and consequences. 

“We want to encourage parents to respect local parking restrictions but as a last resort, will issue penalty charge notices where we need to.”

If you have concerns about parking in your area, please contact Wiltshire Council. If you have an immediate problem, please call police on 101, and call 999 in an emergency.