POLICE have urged parents to park only a few minutes further away from schools when they are dropping their children off so as not to endanger other youngsters.

Lower Fields Primary School in East Bowling was the latest school to be visited by police and council wardens as part of a push to end illegal and dangerous parking, with visits to other schools planned for the next few weeks and into the new year.

Complaints from residents in Fenby Avenue and from families with children at the school led to the visit during the morning and afternoon school run.

The complaints included reports of parents parking in front of driveways, double parking and stopping on the zig zag markings near the entrance to the school.

A number of parents were spoken to about their parking, and one was given a penalty ticket.

Councillor Imran Khan (Lab, Bowling and Barkerend) accompanied the officers on the day, and said: "At my last surgery I had quite a few complaints from people who were very concerned about the way people drive down and park on Fenby Avenue.

"There are a lot of issues at school closing times. We need to educate peope about the dangers of dangerous parking.

Sergeant Tany Ditta said “A small number of parents and carers continue to stop or park illegally and dangerously on the 'School Keep Clear Markings.'

"Any cars that are stopped or parked in the restricted area can hide small children who are about to cross the road. Yellow zig zag lines that have a sign in place are enforced by the local council who have the powers to issue motorists with a Penalty Charge Notice, which is enforced as a civil matter.

"Our officers and council wardens are more than just people who slap tickets on vehicles. They also help to keep the traffic flowing and also act as a point of contact for the community.

"I would like to encourage people to carefully consider where they park when dropping children off at school and collecting them at the end of the day.

"Consider parking further away from the school and walking the last five or ten minutes. This will reduce congestion and improve safety around the school. I would urge parents to think how they would feel if their child was involved in a serious or fatal road traffic accident because of other parents and inconsiderate and dangerous parking."

Mandy Lewsley has children at the school and said: "Some drivers come down here very fast. The parking isn't that bad most of the time, it is mostly when parents are a bit late. They just pull up and stop in the road while their kids get out."

Sgt Ditta pledged officers will be carrying out similar patrols at other schools in the area over the next few weeks.