The Problem of School-Time Parking
- Oct 10
- 2 min read
A number of schools have contacted their local police recently regarding concerns about parking around school pick-up and drop-off times.
A police spokesperson reported "A specific example of this is Painsley Catholic Academy in Cheadle, which has expressed that parents are not always parking considerately or safely during busy times, and that this is causing some conflict between parents and residents of the area. It is also acknowledged that some residents have used their vehicles to block access points or make temporary parking more difficult.
These issues are not exclusive to Painsley Catholic Academy and can be present in many areas of the country where parking around schools can be difficult. Parking can be a point of contention, and in the vicinity of schools, there can be times of the day that become flashpoints. The safety of children and the wider public is the priority.
Police will attend where there are specific incidents involving driving offences reported or incidents relating to the Road Traffic Act. If you have concerns over general parking and access to public amenities, this is an issue that needs to be reported to your local council or local authority.
Please be mindful of your driving and parking in and around the vicinity of schools.
Painsley Academy has produced a poster to raise awareness of this important issue."
The safety of children and the wider public is the priority for our police force and must be a priority for everyone else too.
There are a number of ways things can be improved, and are work successfully across the country:
A walking bus can have many benefits - routes into schools are worked out, and trained marshals collect the children on the route, getting them to school safely, improving community connectedness, and improving respiratory and general health. It's also great for parents who often take turns walking a larger group to school less frequently.
No-drive areas can work too. This is where, at certain times of the day, no one is allowed to park in the zone around the school, and everyone walks in - unless there is a specific reason that they can't.
Student-led initiatives can both help educate children in some great problem-solving life skills and help find a solution to the problems. Activities could include engaging students in creating posters, running assemblies, and creating a "parking notice board" to promote safe parking and sustainable travel.
Initiatives such as the Chain Reaction could help encourage older children to cycle to school.
The Problem of School-Time Parking - created 10.10.25
