Residents of Killingworth have staged a protest outside Bailey Green Primary and Nursery School, demanding an end to what they describe as dangerous parking on their streets. The demonstration, held on Hamsterley Drive, saw locals voicing concerns over blocked pavements, restricted access for emergency vehicles, and safety risks for pedestrians.
Residents Voice Safety Fears
Janice McNichol, a local resident, said: “It is not wide enough for two cars to park side-by-side. They’re coming and parking on the path, but that’s dangerous for people getting out.” She also highlighted that wheelchair users may struggle to use paths during peak parking times, and noted the situation has worsened in recent years due to changes in road parking outside the school.
Another resident, Val Doyle, who has lived in the area for 22 years, added: “I’m a registered child-minder. I had to walk in the middle of the road with bags and children because you couldn’t get onto the path.” She also described being stopped by drivers opening doors to load their own children, leaving her stranded in the road. “My mother has dementia and regularly needs an ambulance; it’s nerve-racking to get through the cars,” she said.
Impact on Disabled Residents and Childminders
David Walker, 48, a 20-year resident, said: “We have been living here for 20 years and we have had people using the private car park wrongly, taking the allocated bays. When you challenge them, you get a load of abuse.” He added, “It is just a miserable experience. We have two disabled kids in the house, and you need to be able to get in and out quickly.”
David Martin, another local, described near-misses with children: “The main concern is coming in and out of the estate. I have had three experiences of cars in front, which I had to brake very quickly with a child running into the road.” He concluded, “It’s an accident waiting to happen.”
Proposed Solutions and Council Response
Protesters suggested that motorists could park at the nearby Morrisons supermarket, or that a new car park could be created on school land. However, a spokesperson for North Tyneside Council said: “We understand the frustration being experienced by residents near Bailey Green Primary School and appreciate the concerns raised about parking, access, and road safety. We have listened carefully to residents, reviewed the concerns and evidence provided, and undertaken site assessments.”
The council added: “While parking pressures are evident during school drop-off and pick-up times, the evidence indicates that most vehicles are stopping for short periods in connection with school journeys. Although we recognise the impact this can have on nearby residents, the current evidence does not support the introduction of a residents’ parking scheme or significant additional parking restrictions.”
The council committed to working with the school, parents, and residents to promote considerate parking, continue enforcement, and explore targeted measures. They will review the situation again at the start of the new academic year.
