Wokingham

“Think before you park” – that’s the message from community wardens at Wokingham District Council this February, as they visit schools around the district spreading an important road safety message.

Wokingham Community wardens Lesley McCambridge and Emma LeRoy have designed a leaflet to remind drivers of the dangers they pose when they park irresponsibly outside schools to drop children off or pick them up.

“Westende School is positioned on a busy residential road that is used by many motorists as a cut through onto a major road. There is very limited parking and limited visibility. Cars were regularly stopping on the school zigzags and the double yellow lines, which is illegal and was causing a particular danger to the children crossing the road,” explains Lesley.

“After consultation with a road safety officer we produced a leaflet to remind parents and children of the dangers of cars parked in this way, and we have since been maintaining a regular presence outside the school and distributing the leaflet, giving people advice on safe parking.”

The leaflet gives details of the road safety website where Wokingham parents can also find out about the new seatbelt law for children, and has proved to be a great reminder of the dangers that all drivers need to bear in mind during the school rush hour.

“It has been so successful that we have begun to use the leaflet at other schools across the district,” says Lesley. “We find it offers a great opportunity to speak to both young children and their parents, and explain to them why it is dangerous to park illegally.”

Executive member for highways and transport Wokingham Cllr Anthony Pollock said: “School rush hour is a busy and difficult time for parents, and that’s why people should be extra careful. I hope that having the community wardens on hand, offering friendly reminders about the dangers, will help parents to remember to take a little extra time and care over where they park.”

Wokingham District Council