A North East police force has warned parents about the dangers that parking irresponsibly can pose to their children's safety. 

Newton Aycliffe Police took to Facebook to showcase some of the cars they had seen parked illegally and hazardously outside a Vane Road Primary School. 

They were quick to warn about the perils of parking on the yellow lines and "Keep Clear" signs outside of school - as parking directly outside of school gates can put both children and parents in danger. 

The Northern Echo: One of the cars that Newton Aycliffe Police spotted parked illegally outside of a school. Picture: Newton Aycliffe PoliceOne of the cars that Newton Aycliffe Police spotted parked illegally outside of a school. Picture: Newton Aycliffe Police (Image: Newton Aycliffe Police)

Not only does parking outside of the school gate increase congestion and prevent access for emergency vehicles, but also limits visibility, and can mean that there are no safe crossing places for children. 

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Newton Aycliffe Police wrote: "Please don't ditch your car on yellow lines or Keep Clear markings.

"They are there to keep your children safe - they drastically reduce the chance of road traffic collisions outside the school building, so don't be that person who causes one by parking irresponsibly.

"Officers from the neighbourhood team and enforcement officers will continue to carry out foot patrols around schools and engage with drivers who need a reminder. Enforcement action will be taken."

People were eager to tell of their own experiences with bad parking outside of schools. 

A parent from a school in Newton Aycliffe said: "I have a blue badge and could not get anywhere near the disabled bay this morning.

The Northern Echo: Many parents were seen parking irresponsibly. Picture: Newton Aycliffe PoliceMany parents were seen parking irresponsibly. Picture: Newton Aycliffe Police (Image: Newton Aycliffe Police)

"My daughter ended up almost being run over as we couldn't get close enough to the school due to all the cars parked all over the zigzags. Three members of staff had to step out to get her into school safely!"

"We now have an agreement where I take her into school late to that I can access the school safely - but it is just not acceptable!"

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Durham County Council provided some advice on how to park safely when doing the school drop-off; telling parents to park away from school gates and entrances and to keep off of zigzags, dropped kerbs, pavements and junctions.

They also advised that parents should consider other ways to travel to schools - such as walking or cycling, to develop children's road safety skills and keep them healthy. 

 

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