Furious homeowner spends £600 on drastic measure to stop school run parents

31 January 2024 , 08:31

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Alan Richardson forked out for a new driveway after struggling with school run traffic (Image: No credit)

A frustrated pensioner has spent £600 on a new driveway to stop school run parents from blocking his home.

Residents near Cadishead Primary in Salford, Greater Manchester, have said they are fed up with cars clogging their roads every morning and afternoon. Despite 'no waiting' rules, parking on double-yellow lines and street corners is a regular sight. Locals are tired of parents ignoring the rules, blocking roads and driveways, and causing problems for those living around the school.

Alan Richardson, 82, decided to build a new driveway at his home so he could come and go without having to avoid the school rush. He told the Manchester Evening News: "There are times when I just can't get off my drive, there are that many cars around. It prompted me to have a drive made at the front of my house, costing £600."

Complaints have arisen over people parking on double-yellow lines and the pavement (No credit)

Alan also mentioned that he wasn't the only one making changes for better access. Several neighbours have converted parts of their gardens. Local councillor Mike McCusker has announced plans to paint additional double-yellow lines in the area. However, residents are sceptical about whether these new markings will make a difference.

Sue Sinnott, 69, expressed her doubts: "It's no good painting yellow lines around the junctions and then failing to enforce the regulations." She also criticised the parking habits of some people: "It's ridiculous. There are people coming here and parking from 2.15pm onwards just so they can get a convenient space near the school. Some of them live within easy walking distance of here. It's madness."

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Valerie Greenhalgh, who lives opposite the school, agreed with the complaints. She commented: "It's crazy how some people park. They're parking on yellow lines now, so I don't see that painting more is going to make much difference, if the restrictions are not going to be enforced."

Cllr McCusker admitted that enforcing parking restrictions was an "issue". He explained to the LDRS: "Without double yellow lines and zig-zags outside schools, we can't enforce anything." He added: "We are introducing the cameras on a trial basis and we are currently patrolling two schools where there is a problem. But it takes a while for it [the enforcement action] to have an impact. The hope is that by imposing parking fines on motorists who break the restrictions it will change their behaviour and that word spreads around to other parents."

Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas