OUTRAGED residents have hit out at inconsiderate drivers who put pedestrians at risk by parking illegally on white zig zag lines.

Pictures sent to the Gazette by a resident show drivers parking on the restricted areas near a zebra crossing in Winstree Road, Stanway, near Stanway School.

Drivers have been warned they are breaking the law and should find an alternative place to park.

Residents took to the Gazette Facebook page to express their concern over the illegal parking.

Debby Newman said Winstree Road was “like a dodgem ride every day”.

She added: “People park on zig zags and double yellow lines.

“Maybe the parking partnership should drive down there at 3pm they would make a fortune.”

David Coleman said: “These drivers will say ‘where else am I supposed to park’.

“Guess what? That’s your problem, whereas your stupidly selfish parking creates a dangerous situation for other people.

“Park further away and walk, that way your children will get some exercise and learn some social responsibility.”

Lorna Mayer Vasek said drivers seemed to completely ignore the restrictions.

She added: “They would be the first to moan if they got hit, or worse still one of their own family got hurt. Selfish and lazy.”

White zig-zags are classed as a dual enforcement restriction which means the council and police can ticket those caught flouting the rules.

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A police fine also bring penalty points with it.

They are installed near zebra crossings and traffic lights to ensure pedestrians have visibility whilst crossing.

Gazette:

A spokesman for the North Essex Partnership said it undertook daily patrols of restrictions near schools, with Winstree Road to be prioritised after complaints.

He said: “White zigzags are commonly found either side of pedestrian crossings.

“They indicate a clearway where parking and obstructing these zones is strictly prohibited, even for a moment.

“The same rule applies to yellow zigzag lines found outside schools, hospitals, police and fire stations – unless a nearby sign advises otherwise.

“Their purpose is to provide pedestrians, children and staff with a clear and unobstructed view of the road in front of them. “Drivers will be breaking the law by stopping on zigzags and where they are covered by regulations, an instant parking ticket can be issued.

“In addition, police can also issue a fine for obstructing pedestrian crossing markings, which may also involve imposing points on a motorist’s licence. This reflects the safety impact caused by such behaviour.

“The answer is to leave a little additional time, park a little further away if a car must be used and walk safely to and from the school.

“We would encourage any schools in North Essex who are experiencing parking issues to consider our funded 3PR initiative, which aims to tackle dangerous and inconsiderate parking outside schools through education and engagement.”

Visit www.schoolparking.org.uk.