BCP Council’s cabinet approves traffic restrictions on roads around Highcliffe Primary School, Twynham Primary School and Burton Primary School

PARKING restrictions on roads around schools in Christchurch will be introduced to increase safety and prevent local residents being blocked in.

Cabinet members agreed to the introduction of a host of measures, which were proposed by officers after a public consultation at the end of last year.

Near Highcliffe Primary School, stretches of Greenways, including its junction with Kilmington Way, will see no waiting at any time.

On the currently unrestricted Jesmond Avenue, vehicles will not be able to stop or park at its junction with Greenways.

Feedback from local residents stressed near-misses around this area and said they would welcome a traffic order.

One said: “Many schoolchildren use the footpath down from Lymington Road to Greenways, some on bicycles.

“Too many cars are parked on the pavements, and children often have to cycle or walk in the road. An accident is waiting to happen.”

Close to Twynham Primary School, drivers will not be able to park along parts of the western side of Marsh Lane.

The majority of local residents supported the changes, with one pointing out the difficulties bus drivers using the route currently face. “They struggle to negotiate the route and bus stops and passengers get missed,” one said.

Respondents stressed a “minority of parents” routinely park on pavements and corners, with “no regard to common sense”.

But others objected to the restrictions, saying it would be those who lived on the road who would be most impacted.

“They will have to park further away from their homes late at night,” said one. “This will not stop parents parking to drop off their children as they are already parking on double yellow lines daily as I walk my dog past the school.

“The only people inconvenienced by this will be the residents.”

There will also be a waiting and parking ban along a stretch of St Catherine’s Parade.

In a bid to make the school run to Burton’s primary safer, Campbell Road will see restrictions introduced between 8am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. There are currently no restrictions on the southern side of this road.

Officers said the move will “reduce unsafe and obstructive parking immediately outside of the school, creating a safe environment for schoolchildren”.

BCP Council said that as well as making the journey to school safer for children, the new traffic orders “stop access to properties being blocked and improve access for emergency vehicles and public transport”.