Primary School Says Parking Ban Will Put Children’s Safety At Risk

A Market Harborough primary school is objecting to plans to ban parking on the road outside, saying it will put the safety of children and families at risk.

Highways bosses want to put double yellows lines down along a large stretch of Fairfield Road, but the C of E Academy says that will cause significant difficulties for parents at drop-off and pick-up times and want the plan amended.

Leicestershire County Council says the proposal, which also includes banning parking on a stretch of Coventry Road, is being put forward because of problems with vehicles parking on both cycle lanes and footpaths, which in itself creates a safety risk.

Fairfield Road in Market Harborough Pic: Google

The Market Harborough C of E Academy is part of the Learn Academies Trust and a spokesman told HFM: “We support Leicestershire County Council’s intention to protect access to the cycle path on Fairfield Road.

“However, we are concerned that banning parking during the school drop off and pick up periods will cause significant difficulties for parents with children at Market Harborough C of E Academy and put the safety of young children and families at risk as they travel to and from school.

“We will be urging the Council to consider allowing parking for a limited period of time during the morning and afternoon so that parents can continue to drop off and collect their children safely.”

A consultation is taking place before a final decision is made.

Cllr Ozzy O’Shea, county council cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “We’ve been aware for some time of a real issue of people parking vehicles on both the cycle lane and footpath, particularly at school drop-off and collect times.

“This potentially puts at risk the safety of other pedestrians, including schoolchildren, and cyclists which is the reason why we have decided to put in additional restrictions to enforce the no-parking rules.

“We’re aware of the academy’s concerns and would be happy to talk generally to them about road safety and travel planning through our Choose How You Move programme.

“It’s also important to point out that there are plenty of parking alternatives available, including the bays on the other side of the road, the Commons car park and other areas nearby.”