Clampdown on illegal parking outside school

Norfolk police warned today that action would be taken against motorists who continued to ignore parking restrictions outside a school on the outskirts of Norwich.

Thorpe St Andrew Safer Neighbourhood Team has received numerous reports of drivers disobeying parking restrictions and putting young children at risk in Vane Close outside Dussindale Primary School.

Some roads surrounding the school have single yellow lines with time restrictions between 8am-9.30am and 2.30pm-4pm.

Police Community Support Officer Gary Philo said: 'We are making parents/carers and residents aware of the current situation and informing them that we will be carrying out extra patrols, issuing words or advice and, when necessary, issuing tickets to offending motorists.

'The parking restrictions have been placed on the roads as a safety measure for the schoolchildren's protection so a zero tolerance approach to dangerous parking will be taken.'

Letters will be sent out from the school to parents on Monday outlining the police action and a school spokesman said today: 'We are happy to work with the police because the safety of the children and families is paramount.'

Jonathan Emsell, head of governors at the school and also a Thorpe St Andrew town councillor, said: 'I welcome the police's involvement in solving the problem.'

The Evening News has been running its Park Safe campaign, urging parents and other drivers not to park dangerously outside schools.

To report dangerous parking, contact your local safer neighbourhood team on 0845 456 4567.

Are you trying to get police to take action against illegal parking where you live or where your child goes to school? Call reporter David Bale on 01603 772427 or email david.bale2@archant.co.uk.