Cudworth Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) is targeting parents who park their cars in no-parking zones around schools in the area, putting the lives of children at risk.

As part of an on-going operation, the SNT has been visiting Birkwood Primary School, Cherry Dale Primary School and Churchfield Primary School this week, placing cones to clearly identify the no-parking zones and speaking to parents to ensure they are aware of the issue.

The first phase of the operation, which ran in March, saw police distribute leaflets to parents clearly highlighting the problem and the laws around parking; however it seems some individuals are still choosing to ignore the police and are parking on pavements outside of the schools.

Small children are particularly at risk as they could find it hard to see around parked cars when crossing the street. Those with prams find they are having to walk on the road as accessibility on pavements is limited.

PC Colin Mackie said:“We are working in conjunction with the schools and BMBC to tackle this very serious issue. Those who continue to ignore our requests will be given £30 fixed penalty fines. I would encourage those who live in the area to consider walking to and from school in order to decrease the amount of traffic in the areas and in turn make the roads safer for their children.”

There will be a third phase of the operation which will run in the coming weeks. Police will be taking a ‘zero-tolerance’ approach to anyone found parking on the pavements and fines will be issued.