Echo Opinion
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Number’s up for errant parents
Parking wardens have a very unpleasant, but important job to do.
Generally, they are out in the streets in all weathers, are doubtless paid nowhere near as much as they should be and are often greeted with snarls of anger, howls of derision or, sometimes, far worse.
Indeed, as our story reveals today, they even have to be referred to as numbers for fear of intimidation and reprisals from their potential victims'.
And what for?
Well in this case, for trying to ensure that youngsters get to school safely.
The Echo's Parking Mad campaign has been running for a good few months now and as well as shaking up some of the more selfish and lazy parents at schools around our patch, we're starting to attract some very positive comments from the people who matter... including the civil enforcement officers featured today.
But civil isn't always the word that springs to mind when you talk about some of the people who have shown their liberal attitude to children's safety during our campaign and a few examples surfaced at St Michael's, along with a good deal of understanding noises and vocal backing.
But it's a campaign that wouldn't be needed if everyone who drives their children to and from school heeded the basic courtesies and rules of parking.
Indeed, there wouldn't have been any need for hospital treatment for two victims earlier this year as cars, children and parents got way too close for comfort.
When will the campaign end? Good question.
But, believe me, while there are still parents around who simply don't get it, it will carry on regardless.
7:00am Thursday 24th April 2008
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CommentPosted by: PETE WOODLEY on 11:07pm Thu 24 Apr 08
KEEP IT GOING.
Posted by: 2Much, New Forest on 6:30am Mon 28 Apr 08
Years ago, when there was a lot less traffic, i remember the wardens were snarled at..but now..i think they do an invaluable job.
In a country where public transport has lost the plot, and there are sooooo many cars on the road, it's important to keep traffic moving, and if one selfish/lazy little pratt thinks he/she can just pull up where they want, then this makes a nightmare for other drivers.
As for the schools..there should be no parking within a hundred yards..if parents have to drive eg: dropping kids on their way to work, they should leave a little earlier and park further away.
The only excuse for bad parking at schools, is laziness.
Of course, you will get nearby residents moaning about the cars parked outside their houses...well too bad..if these cars have road tax, they are allowed to park on any street..
Years ago, when there was a lot less traffic, i remember the wardens were snarled at..but now..i think they do an invaluable job.
In a country where public transport has lost the plot, and there are sooooo many cars on the road, it's important to keep traffic moving, and if one selfish/lazy little pratt thinks he/she can just pull up where they want, then this makes a nightmare for other drivers.
As for the schools..there should be no parking within a hundred yards..if parents have to drive eg: dropping kids on their way to work, they should leave a little earlier and park further away.
The only excuse for bad parking at schools, is laziness.
Of course, you will get nearby residents moaning about the cars parked outside their houses...well too bad..if these cars have road tax, they are allowed to park on any street..
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