by John Prince
Parking restrictions could be introduced near a village primary school following complaints from residents about unsafe and inconsiderate parking during the school run – with some even claiming they’re being harassed by parents.
East Riding Council is proposing a series of no-waiting restrictions along Main Street in Sigglesthorne near to Sigglesthorne C of E Primary Academy.
The measures would introduce double yellow lines at the junctions with Old Lane and St Lawrence Square right opposite the school, preventing vehicles from parking at any time rather than just during school hours.
The council says the proposals for the ‘No Waiting At Any Time’ restrictions follow concerns raised by villagers about vehicles obstructing the junctions and making it difficult for motorists to see approaching traffic.
A council spokesperson said: “The proposed Traffic Regulation Order for Sigglesthorne has been developed following requests from residents and concerns about congestion and visibility issues caused by parking, particularly during school drop-off and pick-up times.
“The aim is to improve road safety and assist the free flow of traffic at junctions.
“Enforcement will be carried out by the council’s civil enforcement officers, whose time is allocated fairly and proportionately across the East Riding based on operational need, including schools and locations where parking issues are reported.”
One local resident, who asked not to be named, said parking was particularly problematic near the junction, where hedges and trees already restricted visibility.
“It is quite a blind spot,” she said. “Some of the residents here have a stick and try to get across, and they’ve got to go on the road.”
Although she was generally away at work during school hours, she said she understood the concerns about congestion at drop-off and pick-up times.
“Obviously, the safety of children always has to come first,” she said. “But if people can’t just park a little bit further away and walk to the school, that says a lot really.
“I know people are busy, mums are busy, people are working and have to drop off and shoot off to work. I’ve been in those situations myself, and ultimately you need to keep your kids safe.
“But park a bit further away and just walk up.”
Another resident said inconsiderate parking had repeatedly forced her to walk on muddy grass, because vehicles were blocking the pavement and damaging dropped kerbs and verges.
She said she had complained to the school, which reportedly sent letters out to parents, but the problems continued.
The resident also claimed she had suffered abuse and bullying after challenging drivers about their parking.
“I got to the point where I thought I’ve got to go at different times because it was too stressful for me,” she said. “Any decent person would say they’re sorry and move their car. But I have been bullied.”
She welcomed the proposed yellow lines and would like to see residents-only parking introduced.
“I totally agree with what the council are doing,” she said. “The drivers don’t care at all.”
A third said parked cars made it difficult to pull out of Old Lane onto Main Street because drivers could not see approaching traffic.
“You can’t see the traffic coming up from the bottom. One of these days there’s going to be an accident,” he said, suggesting a roadside mirror might also help improve visibility.
“It gets very busy around school time, with people picking up the kids,” he added.
He also raised concerns about children’s safety, saying: “It only needs one to run out into the road. Some cars come down here at a heck of a speed sometimes.
“They don’t really observe other cars or the speed limits.”
The new restrictions would apply 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The plans (above) also show school keep-clear markings outside the academy, where stopping is prohibited between 8.15am and 9.15am, and between 3.15pm and 4.15pm Monday to Friday.
The proposals are subject to the formal Traffic Regulation Order process, which gives residents and other interested parties an opportunity to comment before a final decision is made.
North Holderness ward councillor Barbara Jefferson said: “Sigglesthorne Parish Council have on many occasions over the years asked for ‘No Waiting At Any Time’ restirctions on the junction of Main Street and Old Lane, and on the junction of Main Street and St Lawrence Square, and for waiting restrictions outside the school for the safety of the children and for residents.
“This is of course subject to full consultation and feedback of residents.
“I am so pleased that the rural areas are at last benefitting from funding to achieve this.”
Further information and a map are available on East Riding Council’s website at tinyurl.com/3nxxbf5c.
Requests for enforcement can be made via the council’s website at eastriding.gov.uk/environment/roads-streets-traffic-and-parking/parking/parking-issue
The school has been contacted for comment.
