ROAD chiefs in Bournemouth are introducing additional parking measures near two of Bournemouth's biggest schools following concerns about the children's safety.

As reported in Daily Echo, the head teacher of Avonbourne School claimed that 2,000 children's lives and staff are daily being put at risk because of the traffic chaos and irresponsible parking on surrounding roads.

Avonbourne head Pauline Greaves has welcomed the extra parking measures but questions the times of the new restrictions and claims that they don't go far enough.

Both Avonbourne and neighbouring Portchester School use Harewood Avenue as access, and, with some drivers even parking on private access roads to the schools, it is claimed that emergency vehicles would be unable to get through.

But single yellow lines are now being introduced at the top end of Harewood Avenue, down to and including Newlands Road, and on one side of Petersfield Road.

The lines will restrict parking Monday to Fridays between 11am and midday, and then from 2-3pm.

"The aim is to prevent long-term commuter parking on these roads," said Littledown ward councillor Simon Foster, who, among others, has been campaigning on behalf of residents for extra parking regulations in the area.

"It is an emergency measure and local residents will have six months from October 1 to comment on the effectiveness of these lines."

Double yellow lines are also planned on the corner of Petersfield Road and Harewood Avenue.

"Combined with the abolition of the chicane we managed to get removed, this should make this much safer for cars and buses to turn here," Cllr Foster added.

Mrs Greaves said: "While we welcome these new measures I question why restrictions haven't been introduced earlier in the morning when the school day starts. It will still be terribly congested.

"What would've been better is half-hour parking limits to allow parents to drop off and collect their children.

"But we will monitor the situation in light of the new restrictions."

First published: Sept 18