A COUNCILLOR is urging motorists to be more careful near a Greenock school after road safety fears about ‘inconsiderate’ parking were raised.

Local police recently confirmed that they had received numerous complaints about careless parking near Lady Alice Primary in Greenock during the morning rush and at the end of the school day.

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They are urging the public to park with care and attention near the school in a bid to improve safety for all road users and schoolchildren.

Greenock Telegraph:

Councillor Tommy McVey, whose ward includes the school, told the Tele: “There are a lot of schools where at starting time and finishing time you see a lot of people parking inconsiderately.

“If you’ve got to park a wee bit further away then that’s what you have to do, because safety is the most important thing.

"I do appreciate that parking provision within the vicinity of the school is not ideal.

“However, the safety of our children and pedestrians in general, is paramount.

"I would hope that anyone coming to pick up children from Lady Alice Primary, takes heed of Police Scotland's request and will park in a considerate manner, even if that means parking a little further away from the school."

Greenock Telegraph:

An Inverclyde Council spokesperson reiterated the local authority’s stance on road safety and encouraged parents to think about alternative means of transport when dropping off their children.

They added: “We share people’s concerns about inconsiderate parking in the area and would like to take this opportunity to reinforce the safety messages and encourage people to think before they park anywhere, particularly in high traffic areas such as schools where there are children and young families.

“Along with other services and partner organisations, we play an active role in improving travel to and from school.

“For example, we recently installed ‘parking buddies’ at every primary school in partnership with local police to encourage drivers in and around our schools to ‘think before you park’ and schools regularly remind parents and visitors to park considerately.

“Ultimately, the responsibility lies with parents and their travel behaviour has an impact on all children on their journey to school.

“We would encourage parents across the area to consider whether they need to travel by car and if they do can they park further from the school and walk part of the way.

“This could have a positive impact on not only road safety but also the health of children by reducing emissions around the school and promoting healthier lifestyles through active travel alternatives to driving.”