Selfish drivers are putting lives at risk (From Gazette Series)

Selfish drivers are putting lives at risk

RESIDENTS living close to Dursley Primary School claim their lives are being put at risk by parents who block the roads when taking their children to and from school.

Homeowners in the area have now called for action to be taken over parking problems at the beginning and end of the school day.

People living in Third Avenue, Fourth Avenue and School Road say they have to deal with parents parking cars in front of their drives when they drop their children off at the school.

Jenny Sands, of Fourth Avenue, told the Gazette the situation was getting so bad emergency vehicles wouldn't be able to get up the road during the busiest periods. "When people bring their children to school they park all over the place," she said.

"They park in front of driveways and around the bends so you have to pull out to see the road. I have even seen them park on the island. The school buses have a job to get up the road because of the cars.

"This is affecting a wide area and it has been going on for years. It has been worse since the pre-school came up here and when it is raining because parents from close by bring their children to school in the car.

"My father is disabled. What if he needed an ambulance? It wouldn't be able to get down here to him. Neither would a fire engine."

Ms Sands said the problem was highlighted on Saturday when a sporting event was held at the school.

She said: "It was absolutely horrendous. We usually get a letter saying that there is something to going on but we didn't get one. The cars were parked everywhere. Not only were they parked on the one side of the road but they were parked on the pavement the opposite side.

"We have spoken to the headteacher about this but the problem is still there.

"We had a meeting recently about forming a residents association. We were told that a group of us should get together so we can get something done more quickly but we shouldn't have to do that.

"It is about time we made a stand and said something has got to be done. I know people who have put signs up in their drives saying do not park here. We shouldn't have to keep asking people not to park."

Dursley Primary School headteacher Bill Church said Saturday's problems were unfortunate and that the school tried to deal with situation the best way they could.

He said: "On Saturday, Dursley Athletics club hired the premises for a cross country event and they had more people turn up than they could cope with in terms of car parking. "They have written a letter of apology to the residents. They realise the problem and they will review the situation for next year.

"We do the best we can with the parking but it is the same situation with every school. I do go outside and ask people to move and I ask in the newsletter but I have no authority outside the school gates.

"We have devised a one-way system and ask people to use it. I don't know what else we can do to discourage it. We try really hard but it is difficult."