CONCERNED residents are urging drivers to stop parking on double yellow lines at Kenworthy Gardens in Uppermill, where they are hampering access on both the road and pavements.
One resident, who wishes to be unnamed, told the Independent many of the drivers are par-ents collecting their children from Saddleworth School, but the problem is also with people parking there throughout the day.
She explained: “I am concerned for our elderly residents because inconsiderate parents and grandparents picking up their children park on double yellow lines and on the pavement around 3pm till 3.30pm every day, with the exception of Wednesday when the school finishes at 1pm.
“Residents on mobility scooters and wheelchair users, and prams are being forced onto the roads.
Residents also find it difficult to get past mounted vehicles on the pavements.
“Ambulances struggle on a daily basis as they are dropping off or picking up residents. They are also forced on the pavement.
“This is ridiculous and when approached you are told I’ll park where I want” no traffic wardens is ever about or the police.”
The issue was raised at last month’s full council meeting of Saddleworth Parish Council, when residents asked the councillors what they could do to help.
Cllr Paul Fryer said: “The Parish Council takes residents’ quality of life very seriously.
“This is a highways matter so our Traffic and Transport sub-committee will put it on the agenda for their next meeting and any relevant issues with OMBC’s highways department.”
Cllr Pam Byrne, who is a Saddleworth School governor, added: “At school, we have a parking policy that children either walk to school or take the bus.
“We do not encourage parents to drop their children off, and certainly not to stop on double yellow lines.
“A notice has been sent out on the weekly bulletin to parents but there is little more that we can do.”
Cllr Graham Sheldon explained he and Cllr Byrne have already met with OMBC highways de-partment to discuss issues with people double parking opposite Riverside House, just nearby Kenworth Gardens.
“They cause obstructions for other vehicles and ambulances and if they park on the footpaths it can be difficult for people in wheelchairs or with prams to get past,” he said.
“We are looking at the possibility of putting more yellow lines down there so access will always be available.”
Saddleworth School confirmed they have been alerted to the problem and a message went out in their bulletin to parents.
And a spokesperson for Oldham Council said: “We know there are issues with parking outside some of our schools.
“We work with school staff to tackle the problem and they also send reminders to parents asking them to park responsibly and more importantly consider the safety of pupils.
“The council has two School Safety Cars that we send to hotspot areas. However, the government will only allow us to give out parking tickets to vehicles parked on zig-zag school markings and not double yellow lines.
“This situation is not going to improve until parents, and those who are parking outside the school, show a bit more consideration to residents and fellow road users and stop parking illegally.
“If parking enforcement staff spot vehicles parked on double yellow lines then they will take action.”
