PARENTS in North Ayrshire are being urged to park safely and sensibly when dropping their kids off at school.

A new publicity campaign to remind motorists about their responsibilities has been launched this week to coincide with the start of the new school session.

Park Smart is an initiative that sends out a clear message that parking at school gates is dangerous and selfish.

Park Smart aims to get parents to understand the error of their ways when parking their cars on pavements or blocking school entrances and nearby access roads.

The scheme was developed by the Road Safety West of Scotland group, which is led by North Ayrshire Council.

Helpful advice for school run drivers includes: * Be fully responsible for your actions and always proceed in a safe and courteous manner.

* Find a safe place to park every time you pick up or drop off.

* Steer clear of yellow zigzag lines and keep entrances clear of stationary vehicles.

* Park a few streets away from the school to help reduce congestion and improve children’s safety.

Every year, children’s lives are put at risk by thoughtless parents and carers who pull up on the yellow zigzag lines, pavements or other areas near the entrances of schools.

North Ayrshire Councillor Robert Steel, who chairs the West of Scotland’s Road Safety group, said: “It is understandable that busy parents wish to drop their children off as close to the school as possible.

“However, the important issue is about keeping all our children safe when they are crossing roads outside schools rather than putting convenience and time-saving first.

“We also promote the use of active alternatives such as leaving the car at home and walking or cycling to school – or even parking further away and finishing the journey on foot.” The Park Smart initiative also helps council road safety units to target areas, in consultation with head teachers, where there is a particular problem with parking or stopping too near to school gates at the start or end of the day.

Inspector David Carballo of Police Scotland, added: “It is disappointing that many parents and other drivers continue to park indiscriminately outside schools.

“Parked vehicles can mask children and adults trying to cross the road and the potentially tragic outcomes should be clear to all. The responsibility for parking in a safe place to pick up or drop off children rests solely with the driver.”