Schools across the area are joining forces to kick-start a road safety awareness campaign.

Parking outside schools at busy times can be chaotic and primary schools in Sandwich and Eastry are urging parents to be more considerate when picking up and dropping off their children.

This comes after Sheilagh Roberts, head teacher at Sandwich Junior School, raised concerns over parents parking on the restricted yellow zigzag lines.

She said: “It’s not just us but many schools have experienced parents parking on yellow zigzags and they don’t seem to realise that the yellow lines are to keep children safe.

“What we need is a really good campaign for parent awareness.

“It’s only a small minority of parents but by not following the rules of the road that minority causes a lot of trouble by putting children’s safety at risk.”

Sandwich Junior School have put their issues to MP for Sandwich, Laura Sandys, and was told she will investigate the matter.

“It’s only a small minority of parents but by not following the rules of the road that minority causes a lot of trouble by putting children’s safety at risk.” - Sheilagh Roberts.

Similarly, Eastry Primary School has experienced problems with parking around the school with some parents blocking nearby residents’ driveways.

As a result, Bob Priestley, a Kent Community warden, part of Kent County Council, has been keeping an eye on the area which includes three cul-de-sacs.

He said: “If cars are parked illegally I will politely ask them to move and if it gets really busy I will get involved in traffic
direction.

“Parents blocking driveways is a major problem in Eastry, when you get the foul weather parents just abandon their cars.”

If you’re a school or parent in Deal, Dover or Sandwich, please send your road safety awareness stories and pictures to mercurynews@thekmgroup.co.uk or find us on Facebook.