Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield schools have been offered new banners urging drivers to keep children safe by parking away from the gates and keeping the entrance clear.

It is hoped that the artwork, which schools can also use on their own social media channels, will discourage parents and carers from parking on yellow and zigzag lines or blocking pavements.



Joanne Wehrle, manager of SYSRP, said: “If you park or stop on zigzags or double yellow lines outside a school, you are breaking the law and putting children’s lives at risk. It really is that simple.

“School entrances should be kept clear at all times – otherwise you will be reducing visibility for those crossing the road at a time when there is a lot of traffic on the road.

“We know it will take more than a banner outside schools to overcome this problem, but this is just one way of raising awareness about the dangers.”

Jump Primary School in Barnsley is one of the schools taking part in the initiative.

Deputy Head Teacher Zoe Baker said: “The parking situation outside our school can be terrible at times and we’re willing to try any scheme that may help to spread the message.

“The safety of our children is our number one priority and we rely on the help of our families to protect pupils during drop off and pick up times.

“We know walking to school isn’t always possible but we can’t stress enough the need to park in a safe place which will not put others at risk.

“The lines are there for a reason and that reason is to keep our children safe.”

If a vehicle is parked or has stopped on a school keep-clear zigzag, then a £70 Penalty Charge Notices (PCN) can be issued. Drivers can also be fined for parking or stopping on double yellow lines.

The Highway Code states that you MUST NOT stop or park within 10 metres of a junction and SHOULD NOT park partially or wholly on a pavement.

“If you have no choice but to drive to school, then please park somewhere that is legal, doesn’t affect visibility and doesn’t prevent people from using the pavement,” added Joanne.

“Find out if there is a public car park available for parents to use or make a compromise by parking a few streets away and walking the final part of the journey.

“Everyone has a role to play when it comes to school-run safety. We hope this latest partnership with schools will remind people why it is so important.”

Next week will also see schools across the county taking part in the 10 Day Active Travel Challenge. Pupils and staff can win prizes for walking, cycling, scootingor using park and stride (at least a five-minute walk from the school entrance) from Monday 14 March.

The aim is to improve health and well-being, reduce congestion and parking problems around schools and improve air quality.

There is more information about roadside safety on our website: https://sysrp.co.uk/parents/teaching_children_road_safety