Parked 4x4 is a stop too far

A FEW weeks ago we were told that the parking wardens would ticket anybody parking on zig-zag or yellow lines near certain schools for the safety of the children (I did notice though that none of the private schools in Crosby – where you see the buses and indeed parents’ vehicles parked on both single and double yellow lines for anything up to an hour before pick-up time – were included).

This Friday I was returning home on the number 49 bus, and as it reached the Liverpool Road stop across from the Crown, it was forced to stop.

One vehicle was already parked on the solid yellow line that marked out the bus stop area, and another, (a 4x4) was parking in front of it, and indeed across the bus shelter.

The driver beeped his horn, and the woman driving the 4x4 yelled at him to go around.

The bus driver pointed to the people waiting at the stop and she yelled again for him to go around.

A van driver across the road yelled at her she was on the bus stop, and the 4x4 driver waved a disabled badge and yelled back: “I can park anywhere I like; I’ve got a blue badge.”

By now a crowd had gathered, so the 4x4 driver dumped her vehicle fully on the pavement.

Perhaps the wardens could also police the bus stops as well?

Although we all know that parking regulations, indeed driving regulations don’t apply to people doing the school run. Fred McCann

Southport

SAFER PENS AT WORK

A MAJOR supermarket has just recalled some chocolate bars because they were found to be contaminated with pieces of plastic.

Do you work in the food industry: manufacturing, wholesale or retail selling loose food?

In a cafe, restaurant, kitchen or canteen? Do you use a ballpen? If the answer is yes, then your employer should provide a one-piece food-safe pen as part of your uniform.

They are shatterproof, unlike a cheap pen which is often made of clear plastic and can break at the tip.

They are widely available from your catering supplier. The benefits outweigh the cost, reducing the risk of plastic ending up in food. No bad publicity, and showing that you are following the principles of food safety. Bernard Powell Southport

SAFETY PARAMOUNT

MERSEYRAIL is proposing to reduce the number of guards/ security personnel on the new driver only-operated trains.

The RMT union is striking against such moves but they don’t give us the full story.

They only antagonise us passengers by the inconvenience they cause.

Merseyrail is only offering to guarantee security personnel on trains after 8pm.

Sadly accidents and anti-social behaviour don’t keep regular hours.

For our security and peace of mind, there should be a second person on every train.

This matter affects everyone who uses our local trains, whether you are a regular commuter or an occasional traveller.

Your safety is paramount and Merseyrail is ignoring this.

Go to www.merseyrail.org to contact them.

Concerned Rail User

BLACK MARKS

SEFTON Council have turfed up a completely good road for a dirty black tarmac. Boys From The Blackstuff job. Anyone that drives down Lord Street will now get a bumpy ride.

There are more hurdles than on the Grand National course.