End to bizarre driver behaviour

Please park responsibly is the instruction from City Council’s parking officers to parents dropping off children at school.

The officers have observed some bizarre driver behaviour during 2007 and don’t want it to reoccur when the new term begins this year.

While the majority of parents are courteous and careful, the officers say a small minority of drivers are impatient and take risks when picking up or dropping off their youngsters.

This year the Council is dedicating three parking officers to monitor driver behaviour at schools, both mornings and afternoons.

“We want to ensure children are safe from the time they get out of the car and enter the school to when they return and get back into the vehicle,” Greg Butler and Raymond Paulo say.

“That can’t happen if the vehicle is straddling a yellow line or double parked by a pedestrian crossing for a quick get-away.”

Greg and Raymond say the best way parents can ensure their children are safe is to park the car properly, walk them to the school gate and then be there to pick them up after school.

As part of encouraging improved driver responsibility the officers will work with schools to educate parents and children through talks and leaflet drops and monitor behaviour at the school gate however if they see examples of ongoing dangerous parking they will issue infringement notices.

The education programme also includes cyclists. Greg and Raymond’s advice is to stay within cycle lanes and wear “HiVis” (high visibility) jackets which can be purchased from the Council or a number of retail outlets.

In 2007 there were several injury accidents and many near misses resulting from irresponsible driver behaviour and Greg and Raymond don’t want it to happen again in 2008.