A COUNCILLOR has partly blamed 'lazy' parents for parking issues outside schools in Warrington.

During Monday's traffic committee meeting, members agreed to introduce single yellow lines to restrict parking on Stretton Road, close to St Matthew's Primary School, as an 'experimental' order.

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Representatives from St Matthew's Primary School approached the council regarding concerns for pedestrian safety in the vicinity of the school due to 'obstructive parking'.

Following a consultation exercise, the authority's traffic management team put forward a proposal for single yellow lines operating between 8am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.

However, Stretton Parish Council, which objected, highlighted concerns over the proposal failing to offer any 'suitable alternative parking options'.

It also believes it will result in vehicles being parked where there is no footway.

Council officers say the current parking practices are 'clearly making the area unsafe', adding it is the responsibility of parents to park where their vehicle does not hinder pedestrians, or other motorists.

Committee member Cllr Tony McCarthy believes the issue is widespread across the town but said there is 'no simple answer'.

He also highlighted the importance of ensuring children can get to school safely.

He said: "I am sure every councillor sat around this table will tell you where there are schools in their ward they have got parking problems.

"We have looked at a whole range of ideas to try and improve it.

"Some of it has to come from the parents."

He also criticised the actions of 'some' parents.

"If they could park their car in the school hall they would do, some are that lazy – others are very sympathetic and they try their best," he added.

Parking space on Spark Hall Close was also discussed by the committee.

But, after concerns were raised about the safety of people crossing the road after parking there, members discussed the prospect of a new zebra crossing in the area.

The council said it could consider a 'crossing facility' but has not made a commitment.

The traffic committee agreed to implement the single yellow lines on Stretton Road as an 'experimental' order.

It will be brought in as a pilot scheme, which is due to last around one year.