CONTINUTED SAFETY CONCERNS/PARENTS DISREGARD OF PARKING RESTRICTIONS

We wish to again bring to your immediate attention the ongoing and increasingly dangerous issue that has been observed around the school premises concerning parking practices. There continues to be instances where parking restrictions are being ignored, which not only undermines the enforcement of these regulations but also significantly endangers the safety of our pupils. We have witnessed numerous cases of dangerous parking, including vehicles parking on pavements, double yellow lines and across the entry to roadway leading into the school grounds.

Now that parking along the basketball courts and within the lead in to the school has reduced, an increasing number of parents are parking on the pavements and areas marked with double yellow lines along Parsonage Street. This is creating as much of a dangerous situation as the cars that were parked disregarding restrictions in the areas shown in the previous parking notice.

This continued disregard for road markings and restrictions and the inconsiderate nature of parking is proving particularly challenging for families with younger children in pushchairs who cannot then use the pavement to access the school. Many of our families are having to walk their children and babies in the road to be able to get to school or to be in a position to see whether it is safe to cross.

In light of these alarming observations, the school is yet again engaging with Essex County Council and North Essex Highways Authority to seek their support in addressing this critical matter. Please note, that school do not condone ANY parent or member of the local community disregarding the restrictions set in place by Highways and are not in support of ANY parking in these restricted areas.

It is essential that all parents and guardians adhere strictly to the designated parking restrictions, road markings and the Highway Code.

Over 95% of our pupils reside within walking distance from the school, as a result of our catchment area, therefore travelling to school by car should only be the necessary mode of transport for a very few families. As frequently reminded, appropriate parking should be sought in the surrounding residential roads (adhering to parking restrictions and considering the local residents) or by using Tesco's or Lidl's Car Park where timing restrictions do not exceed those needed for a successful drop off/pick up.

We thank you for your attention to this important issue and for your continued support in prioritising the safety of our school community.