Police and fire service speak to 14 drivers over school parking in Northampton
Officers say some drivers returned to double yellow lines after being asked to move
Police and the fire service have spoken to 14 drivers during a joint operation on unsafe parking around schools in Northampton.
Northamptonshire Police and Northamptonshire Fire & Rescue Service carried out the road safety operation on 20th October.
Police said it was aimed at addressing ongoing concerns about unsafe and inconsiderate parking in the Eastfield and Parklands areas.
The operation focused on Booth Lane, Queenswood Avenue, Churchill Avenue, Spinney Hill Road, Oulton Rise and Coppice Drive.
Police said 14 drivers were spoken to about their parking during the 40-minute exercise.
Issues identified included parking on junctions and corners, and stopping near or on pedestrian crossings.
Officers also found cars parked on double yellow lines, double parking, and vehicles blocking access for emergency vehicles.
Police said several drivers had to be spoken to more than once.
During patrols along Spinney Hill Road, officers completed the route twice.
They said some vehicles had returned to the same double yellow lines they had previously been asked to move from.
Police said the restrictions are needed to maintain access for the fire appliance that took part in the operation.
Police said the exercise was planned, but highlights issues emergency services face every day.
They said vehicles parked inconsiderately or illegally can delay police, fire and ambulance crews attending emergencies.
Police said even small delays can have serious consequences when lives, property or public safety are at risk.
Police said they work closely with local schools to teach and promote road safety.
They said schools regularly remind parents and carers about safe and considerate parking at drop-off and collection times.
Parents and carers were reminded that parking restrictions are there for the safety of all road users, particularly children.
Police said it is never acceptable to park illegally or cause an obstruction, whether stopping for two minutes or 20.
They asked everyone dropping off or collecting children to think about people living nearby, other drivers, pedestrians and emergency services when choosing where to park.
Police said a few extra minutes' walk can make a significant difference to safety around schools.
They also thanked the many parents and carers who park responsibly.
Further joint operations will be carried out in future to promote safe and considerate parking.