Concerns had been expressed by schools, parents, councillors, Tayside Police and members of the public about safety issues arising from the inconsiderate and, at times, dangerous parking or stopping to drop off pupils at the city's schools.
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ey of primary schools identified that the vast majority have concerns about this problem. Although most schools have parking restrictions in place, these are often ignored.
Common problems include parents parking on double yellow lines, zig-zags, corners, pavements and across school entrances, causing danger to pupils, teachers and other pedestrians and drivers.
In addition, concern had been expressed about aggressive and abusive behaviour of some parents when approached about dangerous parking, including a number of incidents which required police involvement.
Inconsiderate parking can also lead to problems of congestion, affecting local residents and other road users.
Councillor Bidwell said that in order to establish the extent of this problem, and to investigate possible solutions, a working group was established chaired by Patricia Mcilquham, the depute chief executive (support services) and involving representatives from legal, education, city development and Tayside Police.
The working group identified a package of measures, which included incentives to encourage more appropriate parking and attempts to engage with parents, as well as enforcement of parking regulations. It was agreed to pilot these measures in two primary schools, Park Place in the West End ward and Eastern in The Ferry ward.
The measures include:
* 'Parking permission' cards for parents who wish to make free use of nearby off-street car parks for a 15 minute period at the beginning and end of the school day.
* High impact banners to be displayed at the entrance to each school, using messages about the dangers of irresponsible parking.
* Traffic cones to deter parking on double yellow lines, zigzags, entrances and other inappropriate places.
* The recruitment of additional school crossing patrollers.
* A high profile presence by police, parking attendants and Dundee Travel Active representatives to offer advice, act as a deterrent, issue warning letters or impose penalties.
Councillor Bidwell revealed that the new measures will be introduced at Barnhill and Forthill primary schools during the summer term.
He went on: "Eastern Primary school was one of the two pilot schools in the city last year and showed that a co-ordinated approach can bring some order to the sometimes chaotic and inconsiderate parking at our school gates in the morning.
"I know that the Parent Council in each of these schools regularly discusses safety issues arising from car parking and dropping off children outside the school gates. I am sure that these active and engaged parents will want to be involved."
