Police attending a school in Elanora to enforce the speed zone on Tuesday morning were not impressed with the actions of several motorists parking dangerously around the school.
The beginning of the school year always has teething problems as new parents work out where to park, but there is no excuse for some of these examples including vehicles parked in the centre median strip, and one vehicle with the keys left in the ignition and windows down.
Vehicles were parked on yellow lines within 20 metres of a school crossing and vehicles were being left unattended in the two minute drop off zone. One motorist taking a dog to grooming had no issue parking in front of a police car and in front of the pedestrian crossing. Most of these offences carry a penalty of $48.
The real issue is however the safety of children and parents getting them to school. Parking in the centre median strip is dangerous and police will continue to issue fines to anyone parking illegally, including in the two minute drop off zone.
Parents and carers will have to come earlier, or walk further, or get more kids on bikes. There are several bikeways in the area that can be used by children to safely ride to school. Additional parking can be found in the streets behind K P McGrath Drive on Holbrook Way which has a pathway leading to K P McGrath Drive.
Where you park should be based on safety, not convenience. Please contact your school to check for alternate parking and collection areas.
