Fermanagh and Omagh PCSP presents Parking Signs to local schools

Fermanagh and Omagh Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) recently delivered a number of parking signs to five schools in the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council area where problems with illegal and/or inconsiderate parking had been identified.

The PCSP, through its Road Safety Delivery Group, in partnership the PSNI contacted a number of local schools where parking problems had been highlighted with the aim of tackling the parking issues.

Councillor Thomas O’Reilly, Chairman of Fermanagh and Omagh PCSP presented the first batch of signs to St Mary’s PS in Newtownbutler. The signs are tailored to reflect the uniform of each school.

Highlighting the dangers of inconsiderate parking at schools, Councillor O’Reilly said:

“Road safety remains the PCSPs number one priority.  Illegal or inconsiderate parking creates a number of problems for other road users and also creates the potential for serious accidents due to restricted sightlines.   The PCSP wants to work in partnership with school pupils, bus drivers and parents to make the school run safer for everyone.”

Constable Trevor Kirke, Road Education Officer, Road Policing Unit said;

“Inconsiderate parking around schools is putting the safety of children and others at risk. Our advice to drivers stopping near schools is simple:

• Never park outside or opposite school gates
• Never park on yellow lines or zig-zags
• Do not park on footpaths
• Do not obstruct residents driveways or dropped kerbs
• Do not obstruct the school crossing patrol
• Never park within 15m of a junction

Drivers should keep their speed down in the vicinity of schools, allow room for others to pass and respect local residents. When dropping children off, ensure they exit your vehicle onto the pavement and always check for pedestrians and cyclists before opening a vehicle door.”

Paula Kelly Principal of St Mary’s PS Newtownbutler said;

“There has been some concern regarding congestion at pick up times and indeed the matter has been discussed in detail at Board of Governor and School Council meetings. These bespoke signs are a colourful reminder not to park in the bus stops and to instead use the carpark or alternatively park further down the road. There was great excitement when Councillor O’Reilly presented the signs at the Senior Assembly and in particular when he added that St Mary’s is the first school in the District to benefit from such a resource.  Two P7 representatives on the School Council spoke about the importance of road safety at bus times and thanked the PCSP for the signs. “

For more information on this initiative or on the work of Fermanagh and Omagh PCSP, please contact the PCSP team on 0300 303 1777, textphone on 028 82256216  or by email at pcsp@fermanaghomagh.com