A TOUGH campaign cracking down on illegal parking has been launched at a Marshland school – and police want eagle-eyed residents help to make it work.
Terrington St Clement Community Primary School is one of only three in the county chosen to pilot a new scheme, thought to be the first of its kind in Britain.
Norfolk Constabulary and Norfolk County Council have joined forces and are urging resid
ents and people at the school to provide information to help catch those responsible.
Inconsiderate motorists flagged up by residents now face warning letters and even prosecution if they continue to break the law and put other road-users at risk.
People concerned over a particular vehicle are asked to inform the police and send details to a dedicated email address, telephone and text number. The Churchgate Way school will also have a Schoolwatch postbox where information about problem parking can be posted.
As well as taking a tough stance, the campaign will educate parents about the law in a bid to improve child safety and keep the peace between residents and motorists.
PC Michael Edney said: “The initiative has been launched to address the issue of dangerous and illegal parking near schools at pick-up and drop-off times. Despite our efforts in recent years to eradicate the problem, it is still continuing, not only in Norfolk schools but nationwide.
“I welcome this new approach and am very keen to monitor pilots. I hope this will be a long-term solution to tackling the problem. The campaign is heavily about education, however, it must be stressed that we will not hesitate to prosecute the owners of persistent offending cars.”
Mrs Rosalie Monbiot, county council cabinet member for Children's Services, added: “Illegal parking around schools is a real hazard and is putting children’s lives at risk. I welcome this new campaign as it highlights just how seriously we and the police are taking this issue – we cannot gamble with children’s safety.
“There are many alternatives to driving such as walking and cycling, which are much healthier options and better for the environment. Some of our schools also operate park and stride schemes, where parents can park away from the school and walk.”
