Police hand out fines during Bushey schools parking crackdown

Officers have been carrying out patrols over three months outside four schools in Bushey following complaints.

Motorists had been reported “dangerously” driving on pavements and obstructing pedestrians during drop-off and pick-up times.

Patrols had monitored parking at Bushey Meads School and Ashfield, Little Reddings, and Merry Hill primary schools.

Coldharbour Lane, where Bushey Meads School is, is one of the areas where police have been patrolling. Credit: Google Maps

Officers say some drivers were handed £30 fines or given advice.

PCSO Sarah Webb said: “We know that school drop-off and pick-up times are busy. However, it’s not acceptable for parents to park their vehicles obstructing the pavements.

“It can be dangerous, putting the children who attend these schools and others at risk.

“I would urge parents to leave in plenty of time so they don’t make rushed decisions about where they park. If you can’t walk to the school, you might want to consider parking further away and walking some of the distance to avoid the congestion.

“We will continue to work with schools to address this issue.”

Read more: Pensioner calls for crackdown on 'lazy' pavement parking in Bushey

This is a tool Hertfordshire Constabulary has been using in the county to deter people from parking illegally near schools

Police have confirmed they are also aware of parking issues at another school in Bushey – Queens’.

Bushey North county councillor Laurence Brass says “urgent action” is required to stop the “chronic and dangerous” problem of parents driving onto the pavement to park on the grass verge in Aldenham Road.

It has been a problem for many years and Queens’ head teacher Jonathan Morrell has admitted the potential for an accident is “greater than ever”.

Bushey North county councillor Laurence Brass by Queens' School, pictured with his Lib Dem borough colleague Paul Richards

Last week, a meeting was held and attended by Cllr Brass and representatives from the school, police, and Hertsmere and Hertfordshire councils to find a solution.

The councillor described the meeting as “productive” and said it was the first time all stakeholders had been brought together to “confront” the issue.

Read more: 'Urgent' meeting planned to stop people DRIVING up footpath to park on verge

The first step reportedly agreed is to install a barrier by the nearby Metropolitan Bushey Sports Club to stop drivers mounting the pavement to reach the verge.

Cllr Brass added: “Crucially, I still need to convince the county council to provide more funding for other measures but we’ve taken an important stride forward.”