Parents and carers who take children to school by car are being urged not to park irresponsibly at school gates when dropping or collecting them from school.

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

The ‘Park Smart’ campaign, with the message of “Parking at school gates is dangerous and selfish”, aims to raise awareness of the dangers of irresponsible parking outside schools and encourage drivers to find a safe place to park every time they pick up or drop off.

Councillor Robert Steele, who sits on 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 convenience and saving time.

“We encourage the use of alternatives such as leaving the car at home and walking or cycling to school or parking further away and finishing the journey on foot.” The ‘Park Smart’ initiative was developed by Road Safety West of Scotland, of which North Ayrshire Council is a member. The Chair of RSW0S, Councillor Robert Steel, commented: “Irresponsible parking and driving around schools poses a considerable risk to both child and adult pedestrians.

"It is important for us to encourage parents to consider the possible consequences that may result from thoughtless actions.” The initiative helps council road safety units throughout the West of Scotland 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 school.

Park Smart, which can be run at any time throughout the year when required by a head teacher, features waterproof banners to display outside school premises to remind drivers of the dangers of poor parking. Road safety units may also seek support from the local media if there is a persistent problem.

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.”