School drivers have lots to learn

Unsafe parking and vehicle idling at Renfrewshire schools are under scrutiny as complaints about irresponsible drivers continue to rise.

In an effort to tackle and eradicate the problem, Renfrewshire’s Community Safety Partnership is continuing to target 10 schools each year as part of the school parking and idling campaign.

Over a three-day period, Renfrewshire Wardens attend the schools to encourage drivers to think about their behaviour and the impact it has on children.

The school also assists by distributing leaflets via children, issuing text messages and highlighting the issue in the school newsletter.

The campaign has been running over the past three years with over 30 schools targeted. Other schools have also been visited to assess parking when complaints are made.

Renfrewshire Council’s Communities, Housing and Planning Convener Councillor Marie McGurk said: “While I appreciate how difficult it is to park at busy times, the safety of our children must be the number one priority.

“I am currently getting complaints on a regular basis about inconsiderate and dangerous parking, not to mention the illegal practice of vehicle idling.

“To that end, the Council will work with partners such as Police Scotland to look at sustainable solutions to these problems.

“This may be via more enforcement, or it could be a matter of looking at more efficient use of the roads in and around our schools.

“I urge people to look at changing their behaviour, whether it is switching off engines or parking further from schools and walking the final five minutes where possible.

“It’s all about taking responsibility for your actions, and I am pleased to have the opportunity to be involved in looking for positive solutions to this serious issue.”