Need for school safety zones defended after criticism of Messingham scheme
SCHOOLS have defended the need for safety zones across North Lincolnshire after parents in Messingham criticised plans for a new scheme.
Parents are arguing against possible parking restrictions being introduced at Messingham Primary School on Briggate Drive for a new safety zone.
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concerns: Parents have hit out at plans for a safety zone outside Messingham Primary School
Those who have spoken to the Telegraph say the restrictions would create serious inconveniences – with one labelling the idea a "nightmare".
But other schools where such schemes are in place insist they improve safety for children.
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Westcliffe Primary School, on Dryden Road, Scunthorpe, has had a safety zone for a number of years, with a 20mph advisory limit and zig-zags on the road to prevent parking.
Jim Murphy, deputy head teacher, said: "I can understand the frustration felt by parents, because sometimes they will have no choice but to drive their children into school. On balance, though, it is better to have a school safety zone. It would only take one accident to change everyone's mind and it is hard not to support the idea."
Holme Valley Primary School, on Timberland, Bottesford, had a 20mph limit and zig-zag lines introduced around five years ago.
Head teacher Judith Moorhouse said: "For us the school safety zone has been excellent, and crossing the road has become so much safer for children. We also introduced a school crossing patrol, which is one of the main differences."
Yet parents in Messingham are concerned.
Linda Jarman, from Yaddlethorpe, has to drive her child to the school after having a hip replacement.
She said: "I have had one hip done already, and am currently waiting for the other one.
"I have to park up and wait because I cannot walk to the school, and you can't chance your kids walking anywhere these days.
"Where else would we park?"
Rebecca Bevan, from Messingham, has a child at the school. She said: "I try to walk when I can but on days when it rains I take the car because I have a one-year-old child as well. I appreciate it is better to walk, but it is not feasible when the weather is terrible.
"I think restrictions to parking would cause problems and make things more difficult."
Louise Wales, from Ashby, drives her child to the school each day.
She said: "I think it would become a nightmare dropping kids off with these restrictions."
A North Lincolnshire Council spokesman said: "The initial consultation was successful, as we received a number of responses. We have considered the responses and letters are being sent out this week to parents and residents advising them on the next steps in the process."
Messingham Primary School did not wish to comment.
More education news at www.thisisscunthorpe.co.uk/ localeducation
5 Comments
by Molineux
Thursday, March 14 2013, 7:10PM
“Apologies for posting the same comment several times, but the website keeps telling me that my comments cannot be added.”
by Molineux
Thursday, March 14 2013, 7:06PM
“Only selfish parents, more concerned about their own convenience than children's safety, could argue against safety zones. The real 'nightmare' is for the children who have try to cross the road near school entrances when cars are parked as near to the school as possible, often on the pavements.”
by Molineux
Thursday, March 14 2013, 7:04PM
“Only selfish parents, more concerned about their own convenience than children's safety, could argue against safety zones. The real 'nightmare' is for the children who have try to cross the road near school entrances, when cars are parked as near to the school as possible, often on the pavements.”
by Molineux
Thursday, March 14 2013, 6:47PM
“Only selfish parents, who put their own convenience before the safety of children, could argue against the provision of safety zones outside schools. The real 'nightmare' is for the children who have to cross the road outside schools between cars which have been parked, sometimes on the pavements, around the school entrances.”
by FHall
Thursday, March 14 2013, 8:56AM
“It will just push the problem to the edge of the zone. 50% of the problem is lazy adults - the remainder is parents dropping off their kids on the way to work. One is avoidable, the other isn't.
What doesn't help is the constant weather reports on this site at the slightest hint of a little snow flurry. This makes the parents throw their kids into the car so they don't get caught up in Amy or David's reported Arctic conditions.
What also surprises me is that this is a local story and not one about a school in Chipping Norton. How on earth have the hacks come across it?”