Getting the road safety message

A ROAD safety campaign has been launched to tackle disruptive car parking which is endangering pupils’ lives — after a schoolgirl voiced her fears in the Chronicle.

Safety-conscious Casey Devine tackled traffic chaos outside her primary school after almost being hit by a car that mounted the pavement.

The 11 year old wrote to the Chronicle and Oldham Council in March, asking for cars outside Hey with Zion Primary School to be monitored

Today the council launched a new initiative designed to raise awareness of the serious problems obstructive parking and congestion cause cause children every day.

It includes a new School Safety Vehicle patrolling school sites, which will begin issuing £70 fines in August, as well as copying other local authorities in using CCTV camera enforcement to deter dangerous parking. The council has agreed a rolling programme of term-time enforcement with schools which will focus on school entrance markings at peak times.

Many local schools suffer from thoughtless drivers stopping in restricted zones when dropping off and collecting children. Last year, 53 children were injured on roads across the borough.

The council wants to cut these accident rates by stopping vehicles from parking on “keep clear” signs, zig-zag markings, footpaths and other illegal places which create danger spots.

Councillor Dave Hibbert, Cabinet member for housing, transport and planning, said: “Many local schools and residents are suffering with these parking problems.

“These zig-zag lines are outside our schools for a very good reason. The majority of drivers behave responsibly — but there is also a persistent and thoughtless minority who ignore the restrictions for their own selfish convenience.”

Casey said of the new scheme: “I think it will be really good for the school. I’m proud my letter has brought this about.”





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