POLICE are launching a campaign to try and urge people not to drive their children to one Biggleswade school. They are being backed by pupils at Lawnside Lower School in an attempt to stop congestion in a nearby private road that has annoyed residents. No

POLICE are launching a campaign to try and urge people not to drive their children to one Biggleswade school.

They are being backed by pupils at Lawnside Lower School in an attempt to stop congestion in a nearby private road that has annoyed residents.

Now, following complaints to the school from residents, police and pupils have joined forces hoping to halt the illegal parking.

Pupils are producing a special poster that will launch the campaign on March 1.

With the help of Biggleswade police community support officers Sally Good and Debbie Page, it is hoped parents who drive their children to the school will steer clear of the private road and drive within the law when it comes to the use of seatbelts and the use of mobile phones in vehicles.

"We have had a few complaints from people living in The Avenue which is near the school about parents parking in their street blocking drives and making it difficult for residents to drive down the road during the times when children are being dropped off at the school and being picked up," said PCSO Debbie Page.

"Residents have a valid point because The Avenue is a private road and technically it is not legal to park there. Drives are being blocked preventing some residents leaving their properties and others returning to their homes.

"But we are also highlighting the safety aspect of parking in a narrow road and the dangers it can lead to with children running around trying to get into cars and parents making tight turns in their vehicles.

"The school had complaints from residents and we have gone into the school and discussed what we feel is the best way to deal with the problem.

"We have no powers to issue parking tickets in The Avenue because it is a private road. What we are urging parents to do is not drive your child to school but walk to try and ease the traffic congestion outside the school.

"Hopefully, the poster will get the message across to parents to stop any further complaints from local residents.