PARENTS could be fined for parking outside a primary school as police crack down on traffic problems.

Shildon police are warning parents they will take a hard line on parking and driving offences to combat congestion near Timothy Hackworth Primary School, in Shildon.

Sergeant Steve Ball, from Shildon Police, said he had received a lot of complaints from residents in the Ruskin Avenue, Diamond Street and Oxford Street areas about traffic when parents picked up and dropped off children at school.

He said: "The roads around that area are not designed for that volume of traffic. A car park at the Masonic Hall has been specifically allocated for parents to park and walk their children to school and I would urge them to do that.

"We have had a lot of complaints from residents, who are worried for the safety of the children, and cars are failing to stop for the school patrol lady. We are taking the situation seriously and will not hesitate to take action.''

Headteacher Susan Chambers said the school has been working with police and parents to combat the problem.

She said: "We appreciate the concerns of the residents. We too are extremely concerned about the parking situation and remind parents on a regular basis in our school newsletter.''

She said leaflets have been distributed to parents, and staff regularly patrol the area.

She said: "We know the traffic is a problem and we are doing what we can.''