Wiltshire Council is asking parents and carers to take extra care when parking outside schools following an increase in concerns and complaints about vehicles at drop-off and pick-up times.
The council is working with schools across Wiltshire to encourage safe, legal and considerate parking, with families urged to think about how their journey to school could help make the area around the school gates safer. Poorly parked vehicles can restrict visibility for children, pedestrians and cyclists, block access for residents and emergency services and add to congestion on surrounding roads.
Where possible, parents and carers are being encouraged to walk or cycle to school with their children. Families who need to drive are being asked to consider parking further away and completing the final part of the journey on foot.
Cllr Mel Jacob, Deputy Leader of Wiltshire Council, said, “The safety of children, parents, school staff and local residents must always come first. Most parents and carers park responsibly, but even a small number of poorly parked vehicles can create significant safety risks and inconvenience for others.
“Prevention is always better than enforcement. If we can encourage parents and carers to walk or cycle, or to park with consideration for others, we can help reduce complaints, improve safety and promote considerate parking without relying solely on enforcement action.
“Our aim is not to issue penalty charge notices, but to encourage safer parking habits in the first place. However, where unsafe or inconsiderate parking continues, enforcement action may be necessary. By working together, we can reduce congestion around school gates and create a safer environment for everyone.”
Parents and carers are also being reminded that there is no exemption from parking restrictions for school drop-offs or collections, meaning vehicles must always be parked safely and legally.
Wiltshire Council is currently trialling School Streets at four schools in the county. The schemes restrict vehicle movements near the schools during drop-off and pick-up times in an effort to create safer and less congested streets.
More information about the School Streets trial can be found at www.wiltshire.gov.uk/school-streets.
