Important PSNI Advice –

Road Safety in and around Schools

Ards and North Down District

Police receive reports of issues of concern regarding parking at Schools throughout the District on a regular basis.

The complaints and reports are from a wide variety of sources including individual Schools, local residents and parents.

Please take a few minutes to read the following instructions and advice, which includes information from the Official Highway Code for Northern Ireland.

 Always park considerately and safely

 Driveways of local residents should be kept clear at all times

 You MUST stop when a school crossing patrol shows a ‘Stop for children’ sign

 DO NOT stop or park near a school entrance

 You MUST NOT wait or park, or stop to set down and pick up passengers, on school entrance markings when upright signs indicate a prohibition of stopping

 You MUST NOT wait or park on yellow lines, during the times of operation shown on the nearby time plates. Double yellow lines indicate a prohibition of waiting at any time even if there are no upright signs

 You MUST NOT stop or park within 15 metres (50 feet) of any junction, except in a lay-by in specified circumstances or in a designated parking area

 You MUST NOT stop or park on a pedestrian crossing, including the area marked by the zigzag lines

 You MUST NOT stop or park on a bus stop marked on the carriageway or bus stop laybys unless otherwise indicated by signs

 Pavements are for People and NOT for driving on

 DO NOT park your vehicle in a manner which is likely to obstruct pedestrians, forcing them out into the road

 Please show consideration for other road users by making sure you park your vehicle in a manner which leaves enough room for pedestrians, particularly children, older people, pram and wheelchair users and those with sight loss

 Children are among the most vulnerable road users

 There is a risk of pedestrians, especially children, stepping unexpectedly into the road. You should drive with the safety of children in mind at a speed suitable for the conditions

 Drive slowly and be particularly aware of young cyclists and pedestrians. In some places, there may be a flashing amber signal accompanying the 'School' or ‘Patrol’ warning sign which tells you that there may be children crossing the road ahead. Drive very slowly until you are clear of the area

If everyone involved put this information into practice, as applicable to each individual School and location, it would really would have a positive impact and help to keep people safe on the roads.

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#ResponsibleParking

#KeepingPeopleSafe