Dear Parent/Carer

I am writing on behalf of the Governing Body about parking at school pick-up and drop-off times and the issues this raises.

Andy Burnham MP is leading a clean air drive “Engines off at the school gates” to try and make a difference to harmful fumes that can negatively impact children’s health. St Andrew’s is taking part in a pilot scheme offered by Wigan Council. They will install measuring equipment to detect levels of nitrogen dioxide at school drop-off and pick-up times. They will be working closely with the pilot schools, sharing information with parents to attempt a behaviour change.

I have received complaints from one of our neighbours due to the gridlock caused at times because of thoughtless parking. There have also been reports of parents/carers using bad language and rude gestures when asked to move their cars. Please ensure you are polite to our neighbours and residents around school. We value the good relationship we have with them.

Child safety is important to us all and is the responsibility of us all.

Please THINK before you leave home.

• Could you walk
• Could you car share with a friend
• Could you park further away from school and walk the rest of the way

Please THINK before you park. Remember the Highway Code –

• Do not park near the school entrance
• Do not park on dipped kerbs
• Do not block the entrance to a property
• Do not park in a dangerous position or where you cause unnecessary obstruction or would prevent access for emergency vehicles

Cars are parked on corners; this then obstructs the view of other motorists, especially a small child trying to cross the road. Some cars are abandoned rather than parked! Some are left in the middle of the road!!

Just imagine if a child was hit by a car, there have been a number of near misses, reported to you each time on the Newsletter by Mrs Massey.

Just imagine you parked your car on the corner of Heardman Avenue, you know you shouldn’t but it was only for 10 minutes. In those 10 minutes a child tries to cross the road.

Just imagine that child was hit by a car who wanted to get as close to school as possible because the parent did not want to get out of the car, it was raining!

Just imagine you had left your car in a space that was not really big enough and so it was obstructing the ambulance trying to get to the injured child.

Just imagine if it was YOUR child!!

This is not someone else’s problem, it is your problem. It is not someone else’s responsibility to park safely and legally, it is your responsibility. Please do not wait until the ‘Just imagine’ scenario becomes a reality to change your behaviour.  Do it now. Please. Do it for the safety of your child and every child who attends St Andrew’s School.

J Donellan

Chair of Governors

On behalf of the Governing Body