New campaign to promote safer parking at schools

The Safe Space programme will promote responsible use.

Workshops will be held in a number of schools across East Sussex where Civil Enforcement Officers will explain to pupils what the road markings mean outside of their schools, and why they are needed.

Children will also take part in activities including issuing penalty charge notices in the playground and reporting tickets via radio.

The pupils who take part will be awarded Safer Schools Champion status, with reminder information also being sent to parents and carers.

Cllr Claire Dowling, lead member for transport and environment said: “We know that the majority of drivers park responsibly outside schools, but unfortunately there is a minority who think it is acceptable to ignore the road markings and park where they like.

“As the children have been learning through our Safe Space workshops, ‘keep clear’ markings and double yellow lines are there to create a safe place outside our schools so children can see and be seen when they are crossing the road or waiting on the pavement.

“I urge parents and carers to remind themselves of the parking restrictions that apply outside schools. If you have to travel to school by car, please keep the safe spaces outside your child’s school clear.”

Since the start of the new school year in September through to early June Civil Enforcement Officers completed 572 schools watch visits, with the aim of educating parents and carers about where they can and cannot park.

During the visits, officers issued 154 Penalty Charge Notices and 958 vehicles that were in contravention of the parking restrictions were asked to move on.

Schools can find out more about the programme and request a visit from the Safe Space schools team by emailing parking.information@eastsussex.gov.uk.