Near-misses spark action against parents who park unsafely near schools

ACTION is being taken against parents who park unsafely near to schools after a series of near-misses.

Parking restrictions around 30 primary schools in the Bay are being enforced after a string of complaints from schools and parents.

Torbay Council has written to parents of 8,500 pupils to remind them of their responsibility to find a safe place to park at school times and to warn them that enforcement action will be taken.

Anyone who is issued with a penalty charge notice will have to pay £70, reduced to £35 if paid within 14 days.

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Road safety officer Bev Hannah said: "The safety of our children and their parents is paramount.

"We are aware of several near misses involving children and cars in the vicinity of schools during the school run.

"Thankfully, no-one has been hurt, and we are determined to do everything we can to maintain this safety record.

"We have also had serious concerns expressed to us by several schools and parents.

"They are unhappy about the actions of people who fail to observe the parking restrictions, and have asked us to take action.

"We share those concerns and decided to take this opportunity to raise public awareness, backed by enforcement of the restrictions."

Cllr Robert Excell, executive lead for safer communities and transport, said: "We are grateful to all those people who observe the yellow zig-zags and double yellow lines which are there for a very good reason, that is everyone's safety.

"However, we are disappointed that there are still some others who do not comply with the law, putting public safety at risk.

"There is a popular misconception that motorists are allowed five minutes parking on double yellow lines in order to drop off or collect children from school.

"We are currently focussing our attention on primary schools.

"However, we would point out that there are also yellow zig-zags and double yellow lines at our secondary schools which must also be observed.

"We have no wish to issue penalty charge notices, so we hope that people understand the message, park safely and legally, and avoid paying the penalty."