YP Comment: Drivers putting children at risk

With an investigation by The Yorkshire Post revealing a further 1,360 cases were recorded across the county in the first three months of this year, this is a problem that shows no sign of disappearing.

The simple fact is selfish drivers are putting children’s lives at risk by parking dangerously and illegally. The situation has led to fights reportedly breaking out between parents, and protests being staged outside some schools.

It is particularly unacceptable when it is parents themselves parking on ‘keep clear’ markings or yellow lines near school gates to save themselves a few seconds. Those engaging in such behaviour should consider the example they are setting to their children.

For those families lucky enough to live within walking distance of their child’s school, a common sense solution is available. Walking to school has multiple benefits; helping to tackle rising childhood obesity levels, reducing parking problems and cutting congestion on our region’s dangerously-polluted roads.

A timely report by the IPPR North think-tank has warned the Government must do more to address the crisis of toxic fumes killing thousands in the UK’s regional cities, including by promoting electric cars.

While Government action is required on the wider issue of pollution, tackling illegal parking around schools is one problem those who do have to use the car can help tackle by adhering to the rules of the road.