Didcot headteacher urges parents to stop parking dangerously

Andy Myers, head of All Saints Primary School in Didcot, said he has urged parents to stop parking "boot to bonnet" along Tamar Way as it is a safety hazard to children.
He said: "Some parents are incredibly selfish and I don't know what else I can do to make them care."

Mr Myers said he had urged parents to stop several times – including putting a reminder in the school's weekly newsletter.

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Residents living in Tamar Way have also been blocked in (Google Maps)

"I don't really have any control of what our parents do," he said. "I write to them all the time. We've been in touch with the council and we've had police community support officers out there on several occasions.

"I remind people so often, but they choose to ignore me. I'm not a traffic warden."

He said the problem affected other schools in the town.

"It is a problem," he said. "And it's not just our school that is affected. Most of our parents are great but there are a small percentage who just don't care and that small percentage are endangering our children."

He added: "The vast majority of parents are great. Some have even challenged other parents about their parking and I put notices in the newsletters – but unfortunately there are just some people who aren't bothered and just don't care.

"We've had photographs sent to us in the past and I've included those with the registration plate in the newsletters – but what else can I do?"

Tamar Way where parents are parking "boot to bonnet" (Google Maps)

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A notice in the most recent newsletter reads: "Please can I remind parents to park considerately around the school, both at school run times and during special events.

"We received a complaint this week from a neighbour whose drive was blocked. I have advised them to take a photo and contact the police in future."

A householder who has lived in the area for about 10 years, said the parking at drop off and pick up times was concerning because of the risk to children, and the because residents were unable to leave their driveways for work.

They also said irresponsible parking could stop emergency vehicles accessing the road.

The resident, who asked to remain anonymous, said: "I have now reached the end of my resolve. I can get over the selfishness but not the danger posed to these children.

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"The children come out of school, walk in between the cars, and people can't see them.

"I've seen at least five near misses involving young children nearly being hit by lorries and big vehicles."

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Read more from this author

This story was written by Gee Harland, she joined the team in 2022 as a senior multimedia reporter.

Gee covers Wallingford and Didcot.

Get in touch with her by emailing: Gee.harland@newsquest.co.uk

Follow her on Twitter @Geeharland

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