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Anger over traffic mayhem at Leeds schools
THEY'RE parking on double yellow lines but these drivers are risking more than a fine – they're putting children's lives at risk.
The scene outside Raynville school in Bramley, Leeds, is a common sight across West Yorkshire, with primary schools reporting an ongoing battle with parents over parking.
Despite zig-zag lines, hatchings and double yellow lines on roads, parents and carers continue to put their own convenience above pupil safety and ignore the markings. Headteachers are being forced to take drastic steps to prevent a tragedy.
At Wigton Moor Primary School, in Alwoodley, Leeds, parents are being urged to take photos of anyone parking illegally near school. Anyone caught five times will receive a home visit from police.
Headteacher Julia Norton said a reckless minority had come close to seriously hurting pupils several times. She said one child needed hospital treatment after his own parent ran over his foot while hurriedly dropping him off.
School parking anger: YOUR PICTURES
Send us your pictures of cars parked illegally outside our schools to yep.digital@ypn.co.uk.
She added: "We do a walking bus but twice children have been brushed by cars mounting the kerb. It's an absolute nightmare – there's unbelievable behaviour".
At Morley Newlands primary head teacher Adrian Stygall said he was doing all he could, including naming and shamming guilty drivers.
"We have published registration plates in our newsletter. I think it's so important we work hard on this before there is an accident. It's something we have to monitor all the time."
Steve Clark, headteacher of Whitkirk Primary, Leeds, said: "It's a problem at every school."
He advises parents to leave cars at home or park further away from the school gates. He said: "I do fear someone will get hurt before any action is taken."
Martin Bennett, head of Park Spring Primary, Swinnow, stands on the pavement to encourage drivers to park responsibly but said some would revert to putting children's lives at risk when his back was turned.
Lynn Mortimer, head teacher at Carlton Junior and Infant School in Dewsbury, said: "We have to discourage parents from parking."
A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said neighbourhood policing teams and community support officers helped with parking issues.
Dad's traffic danger worries
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Weather for Leeds
Sunday 12 February 2012
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 1 C to 6 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: North west
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