Churwell Primary School parents fined after parking on 'keep clear' markings

Parents at a south Leeds primary school have been fined after parking on zig-zag markings.
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Officers from West Yorkshire Police's Leeds South neighbourhood patrol team (NPT) visited several schools as pupils headed back for as part of the lockdown easing.

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Two cars were seen parking up on the 'school keep clear' zigzag markings.

Parents were fined for parking up outside Churwell Primary School.Parents were fined for parking up outside Churwell Primary School.
Parents were fined for parking up outside Churwell Primary School.

Both drivers were issued with fixed penalty notices.

The police team posted to Facebook: "These markings are present to help keep the children safe, do not park on them."

The team posted at the time: "Since the schools have returned, we have received a high volume of reports of dangerous, inconsiderate and illegal parking.

Concerns over parking outside Churwell Primary School have been an issue for many years (photo taken in 2014).Concerns over parking outside Churwell Primary School have been an issue for many years (photo taken in 2014).
Concerns over parking outside Churwell Primary School have been an issue for many years (photo taken in 2014).
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"This is reported by residents from the Churwell area to be causing difficulty in egress and entry to their premises and a visual obstruction at times to pedestrians trying to safely cross the road.

"Schools have returned with added pressures upon the schools to maintain the safety of your children, therefore staggered start and finish times have been arranged on some days by the school for safety.

"It’s a challenging time for all and this situation with alleged inconsiderate parking has the potential to create an already very challenging situation even more so."

The team said it was an issue pre-lockdown - but the restarting of school lead to an increase in complaints.

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They added: "We ask that people park or wait at the roadside responsibly and not to block the use of the pavement, nor the driveways of residents.

"Please ensure that if you have to leave your vehicle, that you do so in a safe place and position with care and consideration for other road users.

"Anyone committing any obstruction to the highway, which includes the pavements, could be prosecuted or fined by the police or, in some cases, the Local Authority."

The team said it was "regrettable" they were having to put out a post on the issue and that "whilst there are many law abiding and considerate car users, there are some whom are not."

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"Some of the parking issues reported to the police present a risk to all pupils’ safety," they added.

"It may also pose a risk to nearby residents who may require urgent medical assistance in the event of a fire or illness."

Officers warned that body worn video cameras would be used to capture bad parking.

"Anyone who is caught not following this will be dealt with by way of a Fixed Penalty Notice, or in more serious cases, may be reported for a Summons to attend court to justify their actions to that Court," the team added.

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"We hope that this information and advice is taken in the spirit it is intended, one of reducing the likelihood of road traffic offences being committed outside Churwell Primary School and, most importantly, improving road safety."

The DVLA's official advice for parking near schools

DO NOT stop or park:

- near a school entrance

- anywhere that would prevent access for emergency vehicles

- at or near a bus or tram stop or taxi rank

- on the approach to a level crossing/tramway crossing

- opposite or within 10 metres (32 feet) of a junction, except in an authorised parking space

- in front of an entrance to a property

- on a bend

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