A project to tackle problem parking outside schools in south west Ipswich has been launched with the aim of safeguarding children from harm.

People living near schools in the area have sent in a string of complaints since the start of the school year, saying bad and illegal parking is causing problems.

The south west Ipswich Safer Neighbourhood Team has now stepped up patrols in response to the issue and they are also going into schools and giving advice to parents.

Sergeant Darren Oxbrow, from the south west Ipswich SNT, said: “This is about the children’s welfare and their safety – these issues need to be considered.

“There really is a possibility from a safety point of view that if we don’t take action there could be an injury to a child and that can be avoided if people take care.

“We are going to try to talk to each school individually and look at where there are areas for improvement.”

Currently, police are talking to schools to find out which facilities are the worst affected by parking during the school run.

They hope other agencies can be brought in to make improvements but have stressed that they will also be enforcing the law on repeat offenders.

Sgt Oxbrow added: “It is going to be a bit of a long haul but if we can make improvements it will be beneficial for everybody.”

What frustrates you about parking outside schools? Leave a comment in the space below.