Leaflets encourage safe parking

Thousands of pupils and parents across Wearside are to receive 'smarter parking' messages in a city-wide and national campaign.

Schools are being visited by City Council staff with pupils taking home reminders about how poor parking can potentially put their lives at risk.

In the leaflets, drivers are reminded:

• Don’t park on the ‘keep clear’ road markings

• Don't park on yellow zigzags or lines • Don't double-park. The messages are all part of Road Safety Week.

Mark Jackson, the City Council's Assistant Director of Infrastructure and Transport, said: "Parking responsibly helps keep your children safe and reduces congestion around the school gates and nearby properties.

"If you park irresponsibly, there is a danger to others and you can be penalised."

First introduced in 2013, the council's Road Safety camera car patrols throughout term-time. Last year, 347 drivers received penalty charge notices because they had not parked properly near a city school.

Mr Jackson said: "The 'smarter parkers' message is reminding all drivers to think more carefully when near schools.

"Parents can sometimes be tempted to park where they shouldn’t when they’re in a hurry, late for work, don’t want their children to get wet in bad weather and because 'it's only for a moment'.

"By parking where you shouldn't, you are potentially putting your own and other people’s children at risk."

Nearly 8,000 'smarter parker' leaflets have been distributed to 130 schools and academies so far.