PARENTS are continuing to park on double-yellow lines outside Oakhill First School despite major protests and ‘mini police officers’ being put in place.
Headteacher Lynne Kelly and Coun Pattie Hill have been campaigning for years to stop reckless drivers parking there illegally.
But nothing appears to be working.
Last week Coun Hill got in touch with the Standard to see if anything could be done.
We spoke to Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion and he suggested putting the mini, cartoon officers, which encourage people to drive and park safely, in place.
The ‘pint-sized’ officers have been well-received at schools across the county, and were first introduced last November under the campaign ‘Roads Focus’.
“I met with Mr Campion, Constable Jon Watts and the school’s staff this week,” said Coun Hill, “We were sure the mini officers would benefit the area and put an end to the dangerous parking.
“However despite us standing right there we were absolutely shocked to see parents ignoring the signs and continuing to park in the same way as they had before.”
Mr Campion said: “Parents aren’t respecting the speed limits or thinking about where they are parking.
“They don’t seem to realise that their actions are endangering children.”
Staff at the school are receiving a barrage of complaints from local residents and other, concerned parents about the issue on a daily basis.
Teachers say they are worried that one day there will be a fatality and have held held numerous meetings on the matter.
“When I joined Oakhill eight years ago the previous headteacher told me about the problem,” said Mrs Kelly, “Since then I’ve sent letters home to parents, put it in the newsletter and more but nothing changes.
“We have cars mounting the kerb while pedestrians are walking past and parking on double yellow lines all the time.
“The nearby social club kindly alllowed us to use its car park but inconsiderate drivers have been driving up the verge and on to the grass, totally ruining it.
“We’ve even had a PCSO approach a parent but all they got was abuse.”
The school doesn’t have a crossing patrol officer despite being one of the largest infants schools in Worcestershire.
Mrs Kelly added: “This needs to stop and we are going to continue to do all we can.
“It’s important not to give up.”
