RECKLESS parking and driving around Okehampton Primary School during collection and drop-off times has become so bad that the school’s headteacher has said it is ’endangering lives’.

In recent weeks there have been increased reports of people parking on double and single yellow lines along Glendale Road and the side streets and estates around the school. Cars blocking the roundabout and road leading up to Okehampton Primary have also caused problems and blocked access for school buses.

Hazel Fox, headteacher at Okehampton Primary, has urged parents to consider other options and think about how and where they park during drop-off and collection times.

She said: ‘Parents are taking children to and from school and parking in a way that is breaking the law and endangering lives. The inconsiderate parking affects relationships with our neighbours, who are fed up with having their driveways being blocked and having drivers who simply shrug, or are even abusive, if they are asked to move.

‘We’re all busy people these days but parking considerately further away and walking really doesn’t take long. There is free parking available in Waitrose’s car park for peak periods.

‘We’ve put out pleas in newsletters and have extended the school day at the beginning and end of the day to lessen the problem but there remains a regular minority of parents who continue to cause a problem.

‘As headteacher I would very much welcome more support from the traffic enforcement officers and happily work with other agencies and neighbours to look for further solutions.’

County Councillor for Okehampton Rural Kevin Ball said that over the past couple of months he had heard from lots of very concerned parents from the school expressing their concern at the situation.

‘From the rugby training ground, around the roundabout and past the bus stop there is a restriction in place preventing people from parking.

‘However, people are insisting on parking there, deliberately disregarding the restrictions to enable themselves to be a few hundred feet closer to the school. There are a number of issues with this.

‘Firstly the restriction is there for a reason, mainly for the safety of the children. As a driver, how would you feel if your parking caused an accident where a child was hurt?

‘People may think I am being melodramatic, but I have seen a child squeeze between two parked cars and nearly get knocked over because a vehicle coming up the road couldn’t see them.

‘Last week on sports day, the parking was so bad children were not safe crossing the road.

‘Secondly, those who park around the roundabout are actually causing an obstruction. It makes it virtually impossible for buses and coaches to get round.

‘People are being selfish. If you really do have to drive, and I’m certain not everyone does need to, please park before the restrictions and walk your children to the gate.

‘Please consider walking instead of driving. You may have to get up earlier, but it is better for the environment and may even help everyone’s health.

‘If you can’t do that everyday, why not take turns with friends and walk a number of children? There are different ways of doing this.

‘One final suggestion is parking in Waitrose car park and walk up the hill. I believe there are passes available.

‘I apologise for my forthrightness, but I am taking this very seriously. I am meeting the police, enforcement and the school soon to come up with a plan to deal with this. This may include such methods as naming and shaming or prosecution, especially where there is clear obstruction.

‘Please think of others and don’t park in the restricted areas.