LOCAL councillors have called for more to be done to combat problem parent parking at a local school.

Residents around Trinity Academy St Edward’s, based on Keresforth Close, have been in touch with councillors over their concerns - with parents reportedly parking on pavements and blocking the highway.

Dodworth councillors say they raised concerns that issues like these would go ahead before the school had even been built but felt that their concerns were not listened to.

Coun Chris Wray, who represents the area, told the Chronicle that the issue has been raised with both the police and the council - but more needs to be done.

He said: “When we raise issues, it’s always productively, to benefit residents and the council in the long term.

“We repeatedly stated in planning that there would be parking issues, and at the junction leading into Trinity Academy St Edward’s.

“There is.

“Near-misses are one horrible feature.

“Another issue is the abuse faced by residents on the Principal Avenue estate from people parked on both sides of the road, on corners, blocking houses and driveways, and more.

“You’d struggle to get a motorbike up there at pick-up time, never mind an ambulance.

“We have raised this issue with the police and council, and checks are being conducted, but more needs to be done.

“The council also desperately needs to stop ignoring the impacts on the road network and surrounding residents when building anything with as much traffic as a school.”

Police have been clamping down on problem parking across the borough around school since pupils returned from the summer holidays.

And the council, who has the power to fine those parking irresponsibly, are also urging 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.

“We actively enforce against obstructing pedestrian dropped kerbs.”

A spokesperson from the school said that they have been working with parents about their parking and added that they will work with residents about their concerns.

They said: “We have had a travel plan and pick-up and drop-off plan in place since we opened and the vast majority of our parents follow this and use the site and surrounding areas safely.

“We have met local residents on numerous occasions and we support them with coning areas off, adding additional signs and constantly communicating to our parents and visitors about parking considerately for our local residents.

“Every morning and evening, we have numerous staff on duty to support a safe pick-up and drop-off.

“We have had one report about a car being parked on the pavement, this was dealt with and this has not occurred since.

“We are happy to support local residents as much as we can and will continue to communicate to our parents.”