Crackdown on dangerous parking outside Dudley schools
Parents who park dangerously outside Dudley schools could be fined – or even taken to court – in a new joint initiative launched by the council and police.
Operation Park Safe was launched this week in a bid to make the streets outside the borough's schools safer for children, staff and parents.
The new initiative will see West Midlands Police asking parents, teachers and residents living near to schools to be their eyes and ears. Police will invite people to send photos of dangerous parking directly to officers – who will then review the evidence before deciding whether to issue fixed penalty notices or take court action.
Examples of dangerous parking where action can be taken includes parking on pedestrian crossings or school zig zag lines, as well as near to school entrances in a manner which would prevent access for emergency services vehicles. Blocking residents in by parking across driveways, and preventing access for pedestrians by parking across pavements can also be reported.
Councillor Ruth Buttery, Dudley Council's cabinet member for children's services, said: "We are aware that increasing numbers of parents are driving their children to school at the moment as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
"My overriding concern is the safety of our children, and it is disappointing that despite several reminders we continue to see lazy, inconsiderate and dangerous parking on a daily basis outside our schools. It is for this reason that we are introducing Operation Park Safe to the schools in our borough.
