Fights break out over 'nuisance parking' near Coxhoe school

Locals warned that obstructive parking near Coxhoe Primary School, County Durham, is putting children’s lives at risk. 

Fights have broken out and parking wardens have been abused as tensions rise over the issues, a Durham County Council Highways Committee was told. 

A proposal to extend a ‘no parking at any time’ zone at the A177/ Cornforth lane roundabout junction was approved by councillors amid the concerns. 

Gary Hutchinson, Independent councillor for Bowburn and Coxhoe, said: “The roundabout is an absolute nightmare and the yellow lines will hopefully help with the safety of children. 

“They actually park in the middle of the roundabout at school time, it’s unbelievable. I’ve seen fights outside of the school, wardens have been abused.”

Parents have also been spotted parking along the bridge over the A1 (M) hours before pick-up time to reserve a space near the school entrance.

The A177/Cornforth Lane roundabout junction serves as a bus gate access point into Coxhoe. All other vehicles must continue on the A177 and enter the village via Station Road. 

Cllr Hutchinson added: “Buses go through the lane in both directions at the same time, which has caused arguments between drivers, and in one case, we saw a car go on the pavement just to get past. That’s how dangerous it is.”

Durham County Council proposed the changes to clamp down on what it said is “inconsiderate driver behaviour”. 

A report added: “The purpose of this proposal is to improve road and pedestrian safety with consideration to the vulnerable pedestrians within the area during peak school times.”

Committee members unanimously approved the changes. 

Jan Blakey, also an Independent member for Bowburn and Coxhoe, said: “We have been working a long time trying to solve issues happening outside our schools.”