School markings ‘unenforceable’ – but not for long

Northbrook county councillor Robin Rogers was dismayed when he found out all but 10 per cent of the county’s markings outside schools were totally unenforceable in 2009.

Ever since, he has led the push for the council to invest in closing the legal loophole, which rendered them useless.

Worthing CLC finally agreed last Wednesday to implement Traffic Regulation Orders for 28 schools in the town.

Mr Rogers said: “I only found out when a police officer in my division asked me when we were going to sort out school keep clear zones.

“I didn’t know what he was on about, then he said they were legally unenforceable. They needed time plates displayed by them, which they didn’t have.”

Mr Rogers lobbied the county council to sort out the issue, but said it took several years for it to commit the funds.

But he believed the safety of children should outweigh any costs.

He said: “It has been a problem in my ward, with one school lollipop lady having trouble stopping motorists parking on them.

“I’m not a great fan of booking people, but schools and young children really need protection.

“I will be delighted to see them legally enforceable and as soon as people start getting booked, the rest of the drivers will realise and hopefully be a bit more careful.”

The Traffic Regulation Orders will be implemented subject to cabinet member approval.

Police and traffic wardens will then be free to hand out fines for parking on them.

Mr Rogers added: “I said when they built the Shoreham footbridge, which was over budget, they needed to find the funds for the keep clear zones, and they eventually agreed.”