The road where everything stops for the school run: Chaotic scenes as parents clog up the streets collecting their children

By CLAIRE ELLICOTT

Bumper to bumper: The chaotic scene outside Wheeler's Lane School in Billesley, Birmingham - but parents are to face a harsh lesson if they park inconsiderately

Cars cover almost every inch of the street and there is little or no room for manoeuvre.

Have the drivers parked there for a football match or a pop concert? No, it’s just the daily school run.

It’s a familiar scene for many parents and their children across the country.

But now officials in this Birmingham suburb plan to target those who park badly with a £70 fine to tackle the congestion, and the anti-social behaviour said to go with it, outside the school gates.

Mobile spotter cameras, increased police patrols and council enforcement officers will also be used to deal with any unruly behaviour, driving and parking.


And they're off: The quiet and leafy suburban street after the cars clear the area


The picture here was taken outside Wheeler’s Lane School in Billesley, but six other schools will also be targeted. However, many parents already struggling to balance work with picking up and dropping off their children are likely to criticise the scheme and ask why better parking facilities are not provided instead.

The fine, which would be reduced to £35 if paid within 14 days, is the brainchild of the police and Birmingham City Council’s Safer Routes to School Team.

Known as the Schools Parking Enforcement Zone project, the scheme will involve a police or civilian officer standing outside the seven busy schools during drop-off and pick-up times.

Children are also being encouraged to walk to school.

source: dailymail

Posted in: News Update