A RIPON school is taking part in an awareness campaign reminding drivers of the dangers of illegal and irresponsible parking outside schools.

Traffic congestion caused by parents parking their cars while they drop off or pick up their children has been a long-standing issue for many schools

The Harrogate District Road Safety Group, working with schools and other organisations including the fire service and police, has been working to address the problem.

To highlight the seriousness, three banners have been designed with the messages “Stopping on the zig-zags is selfish and dangerous”, “School Keep Clear – No Stopping – No Excuses” and “School Keep Clear – Don’t Stop Here.”

Holy Trinity CE infants school in Ripon is among those displaying the banners.

Headteacher Sandra Langley said: “We hope that it will make a difference to the safety of our children.

“We have constant problem of a few cars stopping or parking on Trinity Lane at the beginning and end of school day. This causes real problems as it narrows the road and means cars cannot pass each other it also puts pedestrians in danger.

“We have run several campaigns and sent information in our newsletters and I am hoping that the banner will have a real impact.”