Irresponsible drivers tackled at Netherlee

The event was designed to tackle ongoing dangerous and irresponsible parking by a minority of school parents/carers.

Adults and children alike displaying posters and handed out campaign letters which included a map showing alternative parking spaces and access points to the school.

On hand to assist were school staff, local police campus cops, community wardens, environment health officers who deal with vehicles left ‘idling’ and local Councillors Ralph Robertson and Mary Montague. Even “Penguin Pete” the Police safety mascot made an appearance to give some fun to the serious message.

Parent Council chairman Simon Cunningham explained: “There is only one small road in and out of this location and there is not enough space for parking or pick-ups/drop offs. Instead of parking outwith the immediate area and walking a short distance, some parents/carers park at the small Netherlee Pavilion or at the staff car parks, and, have been known to even use up the parking spaces of a nearby sheltered housing complex.

“On one occasion this prevented an emergency ambulance from gaining easy access to this location.

“Irresponsible drivers park right in the middle of the Pavilion car park causing congestion and making vehicle manoeuvering difficult which which endangers pedestrians.

“I receive weekly complaints about dangerous “near misses” from parents/carers.”

Simon continued: “We would like to thank the majority of parents/carers who do adhere to responsible parking and note that it is a minority who continue to park dangerously.”