A campaign which will see Burntwood children cracking down on illegal parking outside their school has begun.
Pupils at Holly Grove Primary School will be taking on motorists – and their own parents – who park inconsiderately or dangerously in the area.
Children aged 10 and 11 are spearheading the initiative to help get the message across to people that they can not park irresponsibly near to school gates.
Staffordshire County Council has joined forces with Staffordshire Police to run the awareness raising campaign.
The youngsters will learn the reasons why motorists should not park illegally and the ways in which inconsiderate parking affects people living near the school.
A Police Community Support Officer will make regular visits to the school, enlisting the help of two year six pupils on each occasion.
They will identify vehicles that are parked on footpaths, zig zag or yellow lines, that block driveways or are parked opposite or within 10 metres of a junction.
The culprits will then be given an advice postcard filled in by the children to warn them of the dangers posed by their hazardous parking. The class will keep a record of the number of postcards handed out during each visit so that pupils can record any improvements during the course of the scheme.
If the campaign proves to be a success, it will be rolled out at schools across the Burntwood Neighbourhood Policing Area.
Local County Councillor Steve Tranter said:
“Like many schools, Holly Grove has an issue with some parents parking illegally and inconsiderately when they are dropping off or collecting their children. Their irresponsible actions not only affect the lives of local residents whose driveways are often blocked, they can also pose safety issues for pupils which we will not tolerate.
“This is a hard hitting campaign which will have added clout because the message is coming directly from the children. They, in effect, can educate their parents on road safety.”
Inspector David Challinor, Commander of Burntwood Neighbourhood Policing Unit, added:
“Road safety – particularly around vulnerable youngsters – is a top priority for police. We are right behind this initiative and would appeal to parents to support it wholeheartedly by respecting the road safety measures in place outside this and other schools.
“We plan to monitor the situation and will take any action necessary to put a stop to dangerous and illegal parking in the area.”