I am starting this petition from a place of sheer desperation and concern for the safety of the children that attend Gaywood Primary and St Martha’s school, Field Road.

I’m a parent of two children at Gaywood Primary. I have lived in the vicinity of the school for over 15years and have watched first-hand the increase of traffic and illegal parking in the area, particularly at school drop off and pick up times, of late the issue has become so dangerous I have witnessed a couple of very close incidents with young children outside Gaywood Primary, one where a car had been parked on double yellow lines impairing the view for pedestrians and very nearly knocking down a toddler which they were unable to see due to their poorly judged parking and another occasion where the pedestrian crossing was blocked, again by an illegally parked car which in turn prevented pedestrians from having a clear view of the road which they was crossing resulting in a child nearly being knocked down by a car – a horrifying moment to witness (I have  to back my claims)

Traffic wardens have been present on a couple of occasions during the past few months, this has made a significant difference to the area, the traffic flow and the car parking situation, allowing children to safely leave school without frankly, dicing with death. I have spoken to the wardens on these rare occasions asking, what can be done about the dire situation and they have said that a warden could be there everyday if we have enough support. The school back my concerns and have said it is simply out of their control, but they of course mirror my frustration and fear for the pupils.

I have a child in Year 5 whom I insist on walking to school as I cannot allow her to safely walk herself from our home which is within 2 minutes of the school due to the ignorance of these drivers, their lack of consideration for pedestrians and the complete disregard for any parking restrictions outside the school gates due to fear for her safety. I am sure there is something that can be put in place to make this situation safer for our children and less frustrating for the local residents!

I urge you to sign this petition and help me  before a child is seriously hurt or worse still, killed by a car. Maybe, a daily traffic warden controlling the area? Maybe, traffic enforcement cameras? Maybe, a pedestrian only zone between the hours of school drop off and pick up? These are just a few ideas I have had that I feel could dramatically improve the safety of our children at these schools.

 I don’t doubt i will get support in abundance as I know my fears are felt across the school from parents and teachers to those that live in the near vicinity.