Emergency vehicles and buses blocked by 'inconsiderate' drivers in Rugby

Lives are being put at risk because of ‘inconsiderate’ parking near a Hillmorton school.

Warwickshire County Council is asking residents and visitors to Balcombe Road to think before they cause problems for emergency vehicles and buses.

Incidents have been reported of cars parking on both sides of the road near Paddox Primary School, Hillmorton.

Councillor Kam Kaur, Warwickshire County Council’s portfolio holder for education said: “We’re aware of the ongoing issues of inconsiderate parking in Balcombe Road and have been trying hard to keep the area safe.

“However, there are still times where the road has been blocked off to vehicles due to cars parked down both sides, which causes safety hazards for children and pedestrians as well as preventing our emergency services from carrying out their vital work.

“Please consider other means of getting to and from Balcombe Road. If you can, consider walking your children to and from school; the fresh air and exercise is beneficial for them both physically and mentally and it’ll be doing your bit to ease traffic issues and improve air quality in the area.”

She said inconsiderate and dangerous parking, particularly during school drop off and pick up times, is an ongoing issue that can have serious consequences.

As well as being a safety risk for children, pedestrians and residents, it can mean emergency vehicles such as fire engines and ambulances are unable to respond to incidents without hinderance.

People who live in and visit Balcombe Road are being asked to think about where they park or consider alternate means of transport.

Find out more more at https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/schoolparking.

More information is available from: https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/roadsafety

If the vehicle is parked on zig zag lines; dangerously; in a way that would prevent emergency vehicles from accessing, report it to Warwickshire Police.

If the vehicle is parked over a dropped kerb; on a pedestrian crossing; in spaces reserved for Blue Badge holders, residents or motorbikes in marked taxi bays, cycle lanes or red lines, near a school entrance or bus stop, report it to WCC.