A MOTHER today criticised new parking rules after being told she could be slapped with a fine while she drops her son off at his Ipswich school.Lucy Cranmer wants Ipswich Borough Council to be lenient with parents taking their children to St Matthew's Primary School at Portman Road.

A MOTHER today criticised new parking rules after being told she could be slapped with a fine while she drops her son off at his Ipswich school.

Lucy Cranmer wants Ipswich Borough Council to be lenient with parents taking their children to St Matthew's Primary School at Portman Road.

Since the council took over responsibility for parking enforcement last month, drivers have had to abide by a no waiting at any time restriction.

Mrs Cranmer, whose autistic son Oliver attends the school, says she will now have to leave her vehicle at home when she only wants to leave the car for a few minutes.

The council says the restrictions must apply to all drivers at all times, and it can not enforce have one rule for one driver and one for another.

Mrs Cranmer, of Bramford Road, said: “The worse thing is I don't think many of the parents are aware of the changes. I've been parking there for three years with no problems.

“I only know because when my husband was parking on Thursday a parking attendant approached him and said if he did it again he would get a ticket.

“There are loads of parents who drive their children in from out of the catchment area who are all in the same position as us.

“Lots of parents have still been parking there and I haven't seen anyone enforce it but do we risk it?

“We arrive at school at about 8.45am and then wait until the teachers are ready but we are usually only there until 8.55am and 9am.

“I understand if the rule was to have the cars moved by 9am so parents don't leave them and stand around chatting.

“There are a few spots you can park in for an hour, or two hours, but not enough for all the parents.”

A council spokesman said: “We can't allow people to park illegally wherever they go in the town.

“The lines are there and they are quite clear and if people park where they shouldn't they will be penalised.

“The change in order at the school was brought in after complaints from residents about safety.

“The law applies to everyone, including parents dropping off children, and we can't treat some people differently.”

What do you think of the parking rules? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or send us an e-mail to eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk