Conflict on car parking

A row is escalating in Wellington between parents wanting to drop their children off at school and angry residents fed up of their roads being used as a car park.

A row is escalating in Wellington between parents wanting to drop their children off at school and angry residents fed up of their roads being used as a car park.

People living in North Road and surrounding areas say a road narrowing scheme by Telford & Wrekin Council has led to conflict as drivers fight for set-down spaces and residents struggle to gain access to their homes.

Most of the parking outside Wrekin View and St Patrick’s primaries was removed as part of a Safe Routes to Schools programme and the situation has worsened with the growth of the schools.

Angry parents say they are now being forced to park illegally, blocking the road, or use surrounding streets in order to drop their children off safely.

Mrs Carrianne Shawbirch, of Plough Road, said: “There are no spaces and police just move people on.”

Ms Lorna Evans, of Vineyard Road, added: “Parents should be told where they can park and the council should build more parking spaces.”

David Morgan, spokesman for Telford & Wrekin, said: “We are aware of some issues around school gate parking in North Road, Deer Park Drive and Weyman Road.

“A Safe Routes to School scheme was introduced here, including traffic calming and parking restrictions.

“Both schools have notified parents that they should not park near the school and endorse cycling or walking, or using the Morrisons’ car park.”

Gary Davies, Wellington Town and borough councillor said he supported Telford & Wrekin Council.

“The council altered the layout of North Road some time ago due to a fatal accident where an elderly lady and gentleman lost their lives. This is the reason behind the Safe Routes To School Scheme.

“If motorists used the road properly there would not be a problem. I think it’s wrong to blame the council on something which they have done on recommendation by road safety officers after these two deaths.”

A spokeswoman for Telford Police added: “We have received a number of complaints in relation to illegal parking in North Road. We are piloting a scheme called Operation SOS - Safer Outside Schools - which aims to tackle illegal parking outside schools.

“One of the areas we are looking at is North Road. The aim of the operation is to provide a safe environment for children going to and from school.

“There are alternative methods for parents taking their children to school. They can park at Morrisons car park and walk their children the rest of the way or they can cycle or walk.”

A spokesman from Morrisons in Wellington said he knew nothing about any parking arrangement.

Some years ago their was a nasty accident on that road and I'm not sure but I think someone was killed and that is why Telford & Wrekin put in the new road system.