'Dangerous' parking outside Coventry school putting 'childrens' lives at risk'

[dutchman]

One resident said she and her children escaped a near 'fatal' accident on Parkgate Road



A Coventry resident is furious about 'inconsiderate' parking outside a school in Coventry and fears for the safety of her children after they 'nearly got hit' by a car. Locals have raised concerns about parking along Parkgate Road right up to the junction of Hen Lane and Roland Avenue.

There have been reports of traffic chaos with cars parked for miles outside the school amid overcrowded driving conditions. Photos show several vehicles parking illegally on zig zag lines outside the school.

One picture shows a car parked right in front of a zebra crossing with traffic piled up along the busy road. Residents say dangerous parking is putting their "children's lives at risk" as they have restricted views and are unable to spot incoming traffic.

Abbi Chandler said a car came speeding down the road while they were walking on the zebra crossing - missing her and her three children by just a few inches. She says a car was parked in front of the crossing, blocking the view for oncoming traffic - and the driver failed to see them.

The mum, who has started a petition about the problem, explained: "I'm very frustrated and quite angry at the parking situation. I have two children that attend the school and will have a third soon. I was put in a situation before I started the petition that put me and my children's lives at risk.

"I had one child in the pushchair, and my other two either side holding onto the handles. One car parked in front of the zebra crossing restricting the view, another car came speeding down on the school run who needed to emergency brake.

"This car was arms length from my three-year-old son. Other parents and children were also present on the crossing themselves. This car would have hit all four of us, my three-year-old first in a worst case scenario.

"I see this every day, forever shouting at parents on the three school runs who are just too inconsiderate to others around them. The 2nd entrance to the school has speed bumps yet Parkgate Road has been refused any additional measures."

Abbi is not the first resident whose life has been put at risk. One was actually struck by a car. They wrote on Facebook: "I was ran over by someone speeding when I was crossing outside Parkgate to my house. It's stupid the way people speed.

"My road now is the same it's a nightmare but sadly until someone ultimately has a very serious accident or dies they won't do absolutely anything." Other residents lashed out at the parking situation outside the school.

One parent wrote: "It's like they are waiting for something bad to happen before they do anything. It's like Russian roulette on the school run."

Another added: "I live by the pedestrian crossing in Parkgate Road, I support what you are saying 100%. The pedestrian crossing and the zig zags mean nothing to a lot of people who roll up at the last minute and abandon their cars as near as possible to the school gates.

"Drives are blocked causing residents to be late for appointments, and when you speak to the drivers the abuse is horrible." Abbi has started a petition urging the council to address issues around parking and to lower the speed limit in Parkgate Road.

"Now my argument is I don't care about past accidents outside the school, I'm trying to prevent future accidents for the children," she said. "We as parents every day see so many dangers. The school are also in agreement but restricted at what they can do.

"I'm super disappointed that they haven't considered the children's best interests and safety at heart. We'll be appealing the decision. Shame on you!

"If an accident involving a child was to happen now it's on you. We asked for help."