Appeal over ‘inconsiderate’ parking at local schools

A LOCAL councillor has raised serious concern about 'inconsiderate' parking around local schools, saying it's putting children in danger during daily drop-off and pick-up times.
Each morning and afternoon, chaotic scenes unfold outside primary and secondary schools in the town as motorists block pavements, park on double yellow lines and in designated drop zones.
Frustration has also been voiced by residents in nearby housing developments about drivers parking in the areas.
The problem is not unqiue to Strabane, but Sinn Féín's Paul Boggs says the ongoing parking behaviour is not only compromising pupil safety, but is also disrupting traffic flows.
There have already been a number of reported near misses involving schoolchildren as they attempt to navigate crossing points, and there are fears an accident could happen if the issue is not resolved.
"Since the beginning of the new term, I have received numerous complaints from parents about continued inconsiderate parking during school drop off and pick up times," councillor Boggs said.
"Such parking is reducing the road width for cars to pass freely on both sides of the road and often sightlines are being obscured.
"This is not only disrupting traffic flows but is putting children and other pedestrians in danger."
Councillor Boggs said the majority of complaints about the problem are in the vicinity of Melmount Road where there are four school sites.

He said that the issues caused by the huge volume of traffic could be mitigated if people take more responsibility for how and where they park.
"I'm asking parents/carers to please work with us and park in designated parking bays in schools or the two car parks at The Den and St Mary's Chapel to ensure children are safe and traffic flows as best as it can," he added.
"I have also received complaints about inconsiderate parking in the vicinity of both St Catherine's schools and schools on the Derry Road which are causing similar traffic flow problems and presenting similar safety hazards."
Statutory authorities have also been alerted and attempts have been made to implement measures to help reduce congestion in the areas, councillor Boggs said.
He continued: "I have worked with schools, PSNI, DfI (Department for Infrastructure) and local businesses to try and find solutions and secured a number of remedial actions including the installation of extended railings at the entrance of Holy Cross College and double yellow line road markings at a number of other problem areas
"I will continue to work with all stakeholders to see what, if any, other measures can be introduced to further reduce the problem.
"However, I would make a general appeal asking for people to act responsibly and ensure they are not contributing to the problem through inconsiderate parking."