POLICE and traffic wardens have vowed to tackle parking outside two schools and a college in Bishop Auckland – which neighbours describe as “illegal and inconsiderate”.
Residents contacted The Northern Echo to complain about drivers ignoring parking and waiting restrictions on Woodhouse Lane, blocking driveways and putting pedestrians in danger by parking on footpaths.
They believe most of the offending drivers are dropping off or collecting pupils from St John’s RC Academy and Bishop Barrington School and say it is particularly bad at school finishing time when they have to wait for children.
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One man said: “It is frustrating when driveways and visibility are blocked, we have to avoid going out around home-time because it is so difficult to drive safely.
“My main concern is safety, particularly pedestrians including the pupils whose own parents, taxi drivers and even driving instructors are putting in danger by parking so badly.”
One neighbour said that when challenging motorists about their parking they have faced verbal abuse and aggression.
He said: “I’ve been laughed at, called names and threatened by people I don’t think know the law. At best the parking displayed is inconsiderate, at worst illegal.”
Traffic measures including double yellow lines have been installed outside the schools, who are understood to have asked parents to park carefully, and officials say they will be enforced.
Students, staff and parents are also urged to consider walking or cycling to school to reduce the number of vehicles in the area.
Dave Wafer, Durham County Council’s head of transport and contract services, said: “Having been contacted by residents and councillors concerned over parking on Woodhouse Lane, we have worked with police, councillors and schools on a series of measures as well as planned enforcement activity and education.
“A temporary Traffic Regulation Order to stop people parking outside the schools on Woodhouse Lane has been made permanent, with road markings and signs in place to make people aware.
“Our civil enforcement officers will be working with Durham Constabulary to enforce these restrictions and speak to drivers about dangerous or obstructive parking.
“We are also providing schools on Woodhouse Lane with resources aimed at encouraging parents, staff, and pupils to consider more sustainable and active forms of travel such as public transport, cycling and walking; and have repainted cycle lanes to encourage more people to use bikes.”
A spokesperson for St John's said: "We are fully aware of the parking difficulties around the schools' sites, and we are in contact with local residents and our families in order to find a suitable solution to the problem.
“It is important that we work together to try to resolve the issues for all parties."
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