THOUGHTLESS parents are

stopping disabled people from parking in Otley, it was claimed this week.

Pat Smith, who is partially disabled, said that parents waiting to collect their children from All Saints Junior School are parking in the five disabled bays in the car park opposite when school finishes for the day.

Mrs Smith, who travels with husband Jim into Otley every Thursday and Friday afternoon from her home in Apperley Bridge, said that the Licks car park was often so full of parents that she was finding it increasingly difficult to park.

"Some people are so inconsiderate. Parents pull into the car park and go straight to the disabled parking bays because they are the ones right next to the school.

"While my husband is struggling to park, you see them sat in their cars reading books and

magazines, or talking on their mobile phones.

"They are taking up invalid places that are needed for people with disabilities.

"More often than not, there is nowhere suitable for invalids to park. I just wish people would have some thought for others less

fortunate."

And Mrs Smith claims that the anti-social behaviour of some

parents is even harder to stomach.

"My husband has mentioned to some of them that they shouldn't park there. He's been polite, but on one occasion he got a mouthful of abuse back.

"I know that they're there for probably 15 minutes a day, but it is the principal of the matter that annoys me more than anything. And if we can't park, we shan't shop here any more."

A spokeswoman for Leeds City Council promised extra vigilance to clamp down on offenders.

She said: "Parents driving to

collect their children from school do create localised traffic jams and congestion in many parts of the city.

"We strongly advise parents, whenever possible, to leave the car at home when dropping off and

collecting children. Walking is better for the environment, their children's health and the temper of other road users.

"If parents must collect their children by car, it is more

considerate, and probably quicker in the long run, to park in a sensible spot a short distance from the school.

"It is an offence for non-orange badge holders to park in a space reserved for disabled motorists, even for a short time.

"Our parking attendants do patrol this area and we will make sure they are extra-vigilant to help curb this practice."

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