A new campaign to curb anti-social parking outside schools in west Ipswich has been launched by police and schools.
The Responsible Parking Scheme was launched after police officers reported regular complaints by residents and parents over dangerous and inappropriate parking outside schools in the area at peak times.
Concerned that the issue may also affect the safety of pedestrians, 12 schools in west Ipswich have teamed up with officers over the campaign.
Responsible Parking banners, which say “No waiting, no parking, no excuse!” as well as “Don’t put our children’s lives at risk! Zig-zag and double yellow lines are there for a reason!” have been put up outside the schools, while officers will also be patrolling the areas.
Sergeant Stuart Curtis said: “Parking outside schools is an issue that is regularly raised with police at our local community meetings, as it affects residents, parents, school staff, visitors to the school as well as pupils.
“Our focus is to ensure that parking doesn’t interfere with the safety of children, pedestrians or residents and we work closely with schools and the council to monitor and address this.
“Following consultation, funding was granted for the purchase of ‘Responsible Parking Scheme Banners’ in order to raise awareness and promote responsible parking.
“Since the beginning of the new school year, 12 schools in west Ipswich have been supporting the scheme by displaying the banners and we hope this will also encourage children to take a more active interest in promoting road safety.”
Ipswich Borough Council has helped fund the campaign through its area committee, while schools have said they hope it eases the long-running issue.
Garry Trott, principal at Westbourne Academy which has been running the banners, said: “Parking at the academy is a challenge given that we have 1,000 pupils. The safety of our pupils is paramount and members of staff are on duty to ensure that they are as safe as possible.
“The biggest problem we have is along Marlow Road where parents/carers park on grass verges, however we are working closely with the community police team and have erected signs to encourage responsible parking.
Mr Trott added that the school had requested more parking bays.
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