A SCHOOL is tackling the problem of dangerous parking outside its gates by laying out pupils’ uniforms in the road.
Poignant pictures show school sweatshirts, shirts, trousers and gym shoes laid on top of the yellow zig zag markings outside the primary.
And the psychologically savvy move seems to have worked – staff said today that not a single driver broke the law and parked on the safety markings or even attempted to three point turn.
The school in Llanelli, Carmarthenshire, acted after the “selfish minority” of parents insisted on dropping off their children right outside the school, despite putting other youngsters’ lives at risk.
Pictures from outside Ysgol Penygaer primary, posted on the school’s Facebook page, show a neat row of bright red jumpers, polo shirts and cardigans on top of the normally crowded yellow zigzag lines.
Staff added the ironic caption: “This morning, for some reason, no cars were parked on the zigzags.
“No three point turns either. Keeping our children safer together!”
They went on to describe the positive reaction to the message, saying: “We’ve been greatly encouraged today with the positive responses.
“Hopefully, things will not return to normal on Bryndulais Avenue tomorrow morning and afternoon.
“Perhaps the selfish minority will think again and will put the safety of others’ children – and their own – first.”
The school’s actions have been praised by social media users.
William Gregory-Diana wrote: “Great idea, very powerful message safeguarding our children well done.”
Maxine Beynon added: “A good idea and a strong message, just a shame that it’s needed.”
Kari Thomas commented: “Well what a simple yet effective idea! Well done all.”
And Maria Carter said: “What a fantastic idea – think maybe more schools should do this.”
Speaking yesterday, Deputy Head Alun Stephens, 52, said: “There are two schools on the site and around 600 pupils, so there is normally just general traffic chaos.
“There are general frustrations. You try and tell people, but they just do it time and time again.
“We were able to do it as we’re at the end of a cul-de-sac. We asked children from the breakfast club if they would like to come out and help us lay them down this morning.
“It’s had such a good response we’ve just been discussing this morning that we might consider doing it something like once a week going forward.”
In June 2019, two children at Ashley Primary School in South Shields, Tyne and Wear, were almost hit during the morning rush due to reckless parking, prompting the school to send a text admonishing parents.
Similarly, in September 2019, parents of pupils at Seahaven Academy in Newhaven, Sussex were blamed after their poor parking almost caused two schoolchildren to be run over.
Support for further clamp downs on the issue remains strong.
In Glasgow, seven primary schools are currently trialing temporary traffic-free zones for to improve road safety.
And in Leicestershire, over 150 schools have signed up to an initiative allowing a camera car to patrol zigzags outside schools in a bid to crack down on those flaunting the rules.
Yellow zigzag lines indicate that parking or stopping is prohibited in the area covered by the markings.
They are usually found outside schools, hospitals and fire stations, but require a sign to be legally enforceable.
Parking on yellow zigzags risks a fine from the local council, as well as penalty points.
