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Tighter parking rules to make school gates safer
AN INITIATIVE to reduce the number of children hurt in road accidents outside school gates is nearing completion.
Motorists who stop on yellow zig-zag lines at school entrances will in future face the prospect of a fine.
Lancashire County Council is currently processing traffic regulation orders covering parking restrictions at the entrances of more than 270 schools across Lancashire.
With schools set to reopen their doors this week, the county council believes the new rules will help to keep school entrances clear of parked cars and improve child safety on the county's roads.
County Councillor Tim Ashton, Cabinet member for highways and transport, said: "We want to send a clear message to motorists that it's completely unacceptable to put children's lives at risk through inconsiderate parking.
"Cars parked outside school gates create a hazard for children crossing the road and can result in accidents which cause serious injuries.
"By making these parking restrictions mandatory rather than advisory, it means anyone caught ignoring the rules will be issued with a 70 fixed penalty.
"We already work closely with schools to encourage alternative ways to travel to school, either on foot, cycling or by bus, and that initiative has proved very successful."
The new order will prohibit stopping or waiting on the school entrance markings between 8am and 6pm, from Monday to Friday. The new restrictions will come into force when the orders are confirmed.
County Councillor Susie Charles, Cabinet member for children and schools, said: "Parking outside the school gates is an issue of real concern and I'm sure all parents and schools will welcome this development.
"The county council already works closely with schools to educate parents and children and create safer routes to schools.
"Tougher action on dangerous parking is another part of the solution."
Over 26,000 Lancashire school children received pedestrian and safer cycling training last year.
The number of children killed and seriously injured on the county's roads fell by 58.5% in 2009.
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Tuesday 22 May 2012
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