A private school in Liverpool has announced it will name and shame parents who park 'illegally and dangerously' following numerous complaints from neighbours. Carleton House Preparatory School, which charges annual fees of £10,000, will list offending parents' names in its school newsletter if witnesses provide photographic evidence of the infractions.
Background to the Scheme
The measure was introduced after a 'minority' of parents caused 'real upset' when driving to drop off their children at the school gates, according to local councillors. One parent has already been exposed in the latest newsletter for driving down the pavement.
Sandy Coleman, the head teacher, stated she takes 'concerns' about road safety 'extremely seriously' after receiving complaints from both parents and residents.
Resident Testimonies
Pensioner Jane Hughes told the Liverpool Echo: 'They [parents] park all over the pavements. The cars are so big you can hardly see over them. It's dreadful. Sometimes it's gridlock. People are having to walk into the road. It's got worse recently, and they come at all funny hours. We really need double-yellow lines. It's not on. It's not safe.'
Another resident living near the school commented: 'They park all over the pavements in huge cars. I wonder how many of the journeys are really necessary, and whether alternative transport could be used.'
Councillor's Perspective
The name-and-shame scheme was revealed by Liz Makinson, a Liberal Democrat councillor for Liverpool City Council, who stated that dangerous parking near the school had become a major issue for residents. She said: 'The vast majority of parents are doing the right and courteous thing, but a small minority are causing real upset. Some drivers are giving people a mouthful of abuse if they're challenged, including older residents at Crompton Court.'
Councillor Makinson added: 'Mrs Coleman has been incredibly supportive and is really engaging with this minority of parents. She's encouraging parents to send in photos of bad parking, and is naming and shaming those parents in the school newsletter. One parent who was caught driving down the pavement is being named and shamed in the newsletter.' She also noted that parking wardens have attended the school two or three times in recent weeks, and concluded: 'Ultimately, the thing everyone is worried about is one of the children being hurt.'
School's Response
In a statement, Mrs Coleman said: 'Carleton House Preparatory School takes all concerns regarding parking and road safety extremely seriously. We continually seek to encourage safe and considerate parking and are committed to working positively with our parents, neighbours, local councillors and local road traffic enforcement teams to improve safety around our school at busy times. We have communicated clear expectations to families regarding safe and responsible parking and continue to encourage the use of alternative parking options nearby. The safety of our children, families and local residents remains our utmost priority, and we value the strong relationship we have with our local community.'
School Profile
The Catholic school, which caters to pupils aged three to 11, was founded in 1974 and boasts some of the best SATs results in the area. Its motto is 'They can because they think they can', reflecting the aspirations it aims to instil in its students.
Councillor Dan Barrington, Cabinet Member for Transport and Connectivity, added: 'Making sure our roads are safe for all road users, whether they're driving, walking or wheeling is a priority for the Council. That's why we've increased the number of parking wardens working across the entire city who will respond when cars are found to be parked illegally or dangerously.'
