CARS parking on double yellow lines and zigzags close to where children cross the road are an increasing concern for schools.

Police, Crime and Victims’ Commissioner Ron Hogg is visiting schools across County Durham to observe traffic congestion and talk to local people after receiving an increasing number of complaints about the issue.

He said: “Parents always want to put their children’s safety first, and by being cautious and parking slightly further away from the school entrance, children can see clearly to cross the road.

“However, a number of schools have reported near misses where it was hard to see beyond parked cars but they are finding it hard to eradicate the problem.”

Mr Hogg saw the problem for himself outside Timothy Hackworth Primary School, in Shildon, and Seaham High School this week and plans to visit other potential hotspots including Woodhouse Lane, in Bishop Auckland, where there are two secondary schools and a college and Middleton St George School, in Darlington.

Many schools have taken steps to address the issue, sending letters to parents or talking to drivers outside school, asking them to be more aware of their manoeuvres.

Hr Hogg added: “I will continue to work with road safety partners including the local authorities on this issue. The recent art competition for primary school pupils in County Durham was a good example of how to engage well with families. I am keen to listen to concerns raised by parents.”