POLICE officers are to be rolled out during school pick-up and drop-off times in a bid to deter problem parking from parents.
Children returned back to school last week and as a result, officers have been out and about clamping down on issues.
They have warned that letters will be sent to parents flouting the rules.
The patrols are currently taking place across the Barnsley South East Neighbourhood Policing Team’s area - which covers villages like Goldthorpe - and the Chronicle understands it will be rolled out across the borough.
A spokesperson said: “Advisory letters will be issued and advice provided - safety matters.
“Help create a safer environment for everyone.
“Please do not double park or block driveways and crossing areas.
“Blocking these areas puts pedestrians at risk.
“Slow down around schools, speed limits are reduced around schools for a reason.
“Please drive with caution.”
Problematic parking has been an issue across the borough in recent years, with parents blocking the highway and leaving their cars in front of driveways.
It resulted in Barnsley Council sending out their own enforcement officers to clamp down on those who were causing problems.
And Wombwell councillors James Higginbottom and Robert Frost told the Chronicle they welcome the police patrols.
They said: “We very much welcome the announcement from South Yorkshire Police that they are planning to carry out enforcement visits to local primary schools in Barnsley.
“We know from the feedback we get from residents that inconsiderate parking around school times is a big concern so we hope that this proactive work will help to reinforce the message that all drivers have a responsibility to park safely, legally and considerately.
“As local councillors we are also working with council services and the Area Council to explore options around how we strengthen parking enforcement in the known hotspot areas in Wombwell and further afield.”
The council has the power to fine those who are parking irresponsibly - and urge motorists to be considerate.
A spokesperson said: “We have a responsibility to keep the roads and footpaths in the borough safe to use. Illegally parked vehicles cost us thousands of pounds a year in damaged paving and grass verges, and are a potential hazard to pedestrians who may be blind, use a wheelchair, or have to step into the road to avoid the obstruction.
“We can issue motorists who park on a pavement or verge where there are waiting restrictions (yellow lines) with a parking ticket, known as a penalty charge notice, as they’re in contravention of a traffic order.
“Waiting restrictions cover the highway from the centre of the road to the back of the footpath.
“It’s an offence to park alongside kerbs that have been lowered to make it easier for pedestrians, including wheelchair users, pushchair users and the visually impaired, to get on and off the pavement.
“We actively enforce against obstructing pedestrian dropped kerbs.”
