Call for action on "disgraceful" zig zag parkers outside a South Ribble school

The restrictions outside the school entrance in Liverpool Road are between 8am and 6pm, but local residents claim this is regularly flouted.

Col Pickup has been so incensed, he set up an Instagram account with pictures of the problem.

He said: “This is right opposite a new junction for a housing development so adds to further the risk.

“Numerous near misses have occurred and I’ve contacted the school, police and council to counteract this with zero effect. I’ve even taken to starting an Instagram page to shame some of the drivers and demonstrate the issue but there appears to be no cares given.”

>>> View the Instagram page here

County Councillor Graham Gooch said: “The zig zag lines outside school are there to protect children by keeping the area free of stationary cars to increase visibility around school entrances.

“It is absolutely disgraceful that parents dropping off their own children are willing to put at risk the lives of other children simply to save themselves the inconvenience of stopping a few yards further down the road.

“Enforcing the law is a matter for the police, but I am sure the school could take note of who is endangering children and express their concerns to the offenders.”

>>>Pavement parking could be banned across England. Click here

A Lancashire Police spokesman said: “We are aware of concerns around parking and have spoken to the complainant as well as a senior staff member at the school.

“We will continue to monitor the situation and carry out any enforcement where appropriate.”

Peter Bell, regulation and enforcement manager for Lancashire County Council (LCC), said: "Inappropriate parking outside schools is a concern for many parents and teachers, and our enforcement officers visit all schools at least once every academic year to deter people from parking on zigzag keep clear lines. We are due to visit Hutton Grammar school soon as part of our regular cycle of enforcement.

"We have an intelligence-led approach to enforcement, and have previously written to schools to let them know we will prioritise visits for them if they report that they have a particular problem.

"When our officers attend schools they speak with drivers where appropriate as well as issuing penalties, and schools are also well placed to help by educating parents not to park on zigzag lines outside the school gates."

Mark Bradshaw, head teacher of Hutton C of E Grammar School, said: "Parents parking directly outside the school at the start and end of the school day is a potential safety problem, and something we have previously raised with them.

"I'd ask everyone to think about their part in adding to the congestion outside the gates, and the potential impact on other children who are walking to school and need good visibility to be able to cross the road safely."

The school has an arrangement in place with coaches to drop off outside the school in the morning, however in the afternoon when the drivers are able to access the school site safely because students are in lessons, they are asked to pick up from within the school premises.

A spokesman for Holmeswood Coaches Ltd, whose vehicle can be seen parked on the zig zags in pictures taken by Mr Pickup, said: "We are and have been consulting with Hutton Grammar School regarding the parking in and around the site and the necessary access for ours and other coaches that serve the school.

"We understand they have referred the situation to LCC for their opinion and assistance."

What does the Highway Code say?

Yellow zig-zag lines outside schools, hospitals, or fire, police or ambulance stations indicate the length of road where stopping or waiting is strictly prohibited.

The Highway Code states that you should keep these areas clear of stationary vehicles, even if picking up or setting down children.