Pupils patrol to stop bad parking

Back from left, physical social health education manager Chantelle Knight, senior civil enforcement officer Bradley Bee, PCSO Susan Smith and civil enforcement officer Ian Maund, with the junior road safety officers from Wimborne Junior School

Picture: Sarah Standing (170401-4316) — Back from left, physical social health education manager Chantelle Knight, senior civil enforcement officer Bradley Bee, PCSO Susan Smith and civil enforcement officer Ian Maund, with the junior road safety officers from Wimborne Junior School Picture: Sarah Standing (170401-4316)

Wimborne Junior School, in Wimborne Road, Southsea, has recruited Junior Road Safety Officers to patrol outside the school three mornings a week, alongside PSHE leader Chantelle Knight, ensuring parents do not park on the yellow zig-zag lines.

The scheme was set up and supported by Portsmouth City Council. The young recruits were taught the laws and penalties regarding parking on zig-zags and the importance of staying safe near roads.

Emily Garratt, from Year 5, said: ‘You need to tell people not to park on the yellow lines and not to walk between two cars because other cars can’t see you coming.’

Along with keeping the school clear from illegally-parked cars, the officers also inform other children about road safety by holding assemblies and talks.

‘Children telling other children about the dangers is a lot more effective than being told by an adult,’ said Carina Jacobs, headteacher.