WORRIED residents expressed fears today for the safety of school children crossing the road on an Ipswich estate. They claim parents illegally parking their cars on double yellow lines are endangering pupils during the school run.

WORRIED residents expressed fears today for the safety of school children crossing the road on an Ipswich estate.

They claim parents illegally parking their cars on double yellow lines are endangering pupils during the school run.

Vehicles are also parked on grass verges and pavements, obstructing a clear view of the road on a tight bend at the junction of St David's Road and King Edward Road.

One resident, who did not want to be named, said: "We fear for the children, especially those who have to cross between the parked cars on their walk home.

"They sometimes run out without looking and cars come speeding along King Edward Road, using it as a short cut." She wanted to see speed bumps put in the road to slow the drivers down.

The junction is at the end of the pedestrian lane running alongside the park on Murray Road. Murrayfield Primary School is at the other end and cars are literally jammed end to end in the battle to get a space when parents collect their children after school.

Another resident complained that the situation was an accident just waiting to happen. He said: "I have counted 35 minor accidents lately.

"It is a sharp bend in the road and cars just park there willy-nilly. A lamp post and a road sign have been damaged as up to 30 vehicles compete for a space.

"Some of the parents arrive up to an hour early to make sure they get a space. Traffic wardens seem to turn a blind eye and the police do not seem interested."

The cars are also a nuisance to the homeowners, blocking their drives and making it very difficult see oncoming traffic when they pull out.

When the residents confront the drivers they are faced with aggressive behaviour and strong language.

A spokeswoman for Ipswich police said: "We take all parking infringements very seriously.

"Illegal parking can cause obstructions to vehicles including emergency vehicles. Our wardens will give extra attention to areas where we have complaints about illegal parking."

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