MONTON PRIMARY'S TOUGHEST PCSO'S HAVE BEEN OUT TODAY WARNING PARENTS ABOUT IRRESPONSIBLE PARKING OUTSIDE SCHOOLS

Parents are being asked to show a little care and consideration when picking/dropping their children from school as irresponsible and in many cases illegal parking is causing major road safety issues. Over the past few years the problem has only gotten worse as more and more cars take to the roads.

According to Rule 243 of the Highway Code , you are advised not to park near a school entrance or anywhere that would obstruct access for emergency services, at or near a bus stop, as well as opposite or within 10 metres of a junction, over a dropped kerb, and in front of an entrance to a property.

All schools will have areas with yellow zig zag lines outside their exits/entrances, these lines are to indicate the length of road where stopping or waiting is strictly prohibited. There may also be an upright sign displayed, indicating a mandatory prohibition of stopping during the times shown.

If caught by a local authority enforcement officer you could find yourself with a fine to pay and quite rightly so as you are needlessly putting lives in danger. And officers are on patrol so be warned.

Children's lives are increasingly being put in danger as they struggle to cross roads between parked cars, these areas are specifically meant to be kept clear at all times to prevent those dangers.

Today, Junior PCSO's Libby and Ibrahim from Monton Green Primary School were out on patrol as part of a crackdown on irresponsible parking in the area.

Road safety around schools is very important but drivers will only change their behaviour if they are aware of the consequences and who better to hear it from than a small child.

The pupils have been on patrol accompanied by an officer and are enjoying being involved in promoting road safety.

They are both described as being polite, courteous and a credit to the school and I am not one to dispute that but I would not take the chances as they both look like they could have you in a headlock in seconds.

So please, have some consideration when parking, no one wants to see children hurt on their way too and from school.