Primary school coach parking an '˜accident waiting to happen'

A man who lives opposite a Dronfield primary has accused school coach drivers of flouting parking regulations.
Road safety campaigner David Blythen is complaining about parking on zig-zag lines outside Stonelow Junior SchoolRoad safety campaigner David Blythen is complaining about parking on zig-zag lines outside Stonelow Junior School
Road safety campaigner David Blythen is complaining about parking on zig-zag lines outside Stonelow Junior School

David Blythen, 52, of Stonelow Green, says the situation outside Stonelow Junior School is an ‘accident waiting to happen’.

He claims coaches sometimes park on the yellow ‘zig-zag’ lines for up to half an hour - even though waiting there is not allowed.

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He said: “The school obviously think it is safer for the children.

Zig-zag lines outside Stonelow Junior SchoolZig-zag lines outside Stonelow Junior School
Zig-zag lines outside Stonelow Junior School

“But the signs are clear - there are council signs and signs the school have put up.

“There are cars parked opposite where the coach pulls up and it is a bus route as well.

“While it is there, cars really struggle to squeeze past.

“The school, the coach company and the council have got to work together to find a solution to this - it shouldn’t be happening.”

Zig-zag lines outside Stonelow Junior SchoolZig-zag lines outside Stonelow Junior School
Zig-zag lines outside Stonelow Junior School
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David says he has also written to the Police and Crime Commissioner for Derbyshire and his MP, Natascha Engel.

“The PCC said it was an operational matter and the police have told me they will not be enforcing it.

“Road safety and parking is meant to be one of the local safer neighbourhood team’s priorities.

“But they obviously have more important things to do.”

Zig-zag lines outside Stonelow Junior SchoolZig-zag lines outside Stonelow Junior School
Zig-zag lines outside Stonelow Junior School

To make matters worse, after David took a photo of the coach as evidence the police did show an interest - but for other reasons.

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“I had innocently taken a picture of the coach and they asked me why I had been taking photos of children,” said David.

“At the time I was annoyed - I think that was malicious.”

A Derbyshire County Council spokesman said: “This bus takes pupils to and from swimming lessons.

Zig-zag lines outside Stonelow Junior SchoolZig-zag lines outside Stonelow Junior School
Zig-zag lines outside Stonelow Junior School

“The bus company has been advised that the bus waits where there are no lines and pulls forward for the few minutes while pupils get on and off the bus, as this is the safest and most practical way for them to board.”