Drivers who ignore safety markings outside schools will run the risk of a costly parking ticket following new restrictions approved by the Council.
The move supports the improvement safety outside schools by making Keep Clear zigzag markings subject to parking enforcement. It is intended to encourage drivers to practice responsible parking outside the school gate and observe zigzags and time limited waiting restrictions. Council Civil Enforcement Officers will be including schools as part of their future patrols.
Councillor Roger Symonds (Lib-Dem, Combe Down), Cabinet Member for Transport, said, “The feedback we receive from local schools is that illegally parked cars create significant dangers outside schools. The road markings are in place for a reason. Safety of pupils, parents, and teachers on the walk to school is paramount. Before now, the ‘Keep Clear’ markings have never been subject to formal action by the authorities.
“This decision now means Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Civil Enforcement Officers can issue Penalty Charge Notices for drivers who break the rules.”
The standard charge for parking on zigzags is £70, whilst a penalty of £50 is payable for a Limited Waiting offence. Most restrictions are enforceable Monday – Friday 8am to 8pm. They are being introduced following the approval of a Traffic Regulation Order and will take place in two phases. In the first phase the restrictions apply to more than forty schools. All remaining schools will be in the second phase.
Carolyn Banfield, Headteacher for St John’s CofE Primary School, Midsomer Norton, said, “The school is supportive of this action and the Council’s efforts to improve safety outside local schools. Parents must take more notice of road markings and restrictions to reduce the chance of accidents. These new restrictions give the authorities some teeth to apply the letter of the law. The walk to school must be as safe as possible for everyone and before now there was little deterrent for drivers to observe the safety markings.“