Abusive parents have been blamed for the withdrawal of a lollipop man from a church primary school in Brighton.
They became abusive most recently when their number plates were noted down because their cars were parked on the “School Keep Clear” markings outside St Martin’s Church of England Primary School.
This obstructed views for the lollipop man, making it unsafe for him and for children and those accompanying them, according to a letter from Brighton and Hove City Council.
The incidents come after one mother asked an elderly resident of a neighbouring sheltered housing block, Old Viaduct Court, if she wanted a fight in a row over parking.
Some parents park without permission in the Old Viaduct Court car park, opposite the school, in Hartington Road, and have been abusive and threatening when challenged by staff or residents.
St Martin’s head teacher Joanne Smith has previously written to parents about their behaviour.
After the latest incident, the school newsletter to parents said: “We are disappointed to advise that our school crossing patrol officer has been withdrawn for the immediate future.
“We have attached a copy of the letter received last week from the LA (local authority or council) but sadly this latest incident of abuse has given them the justification to remove the service as of now.
“The road safety manager was on site this morning and again noted the following vehicles parked without due regard to the safety of children and other road users.”
The letter listed seven number plates.
The newsletter said: “The loss of this valuable service is sadly the result of the actions of the few.”
The letter to Mrs Smith came from Emily Tester, in the council’s Road Safety Team, on Tuesday 16 June.
The letter said: “Following a number of recent inspections to St Martin’s Primary School to observe the operation of the existing school crossing patrol (SCP), it has been noted that very few pupils and parents/guardians used the SCP facility to cross Hartington Road.
“In addition, several parents were regularly observed to park on the School Keep Clear road markings, some for up to 20 minutes.
“I am therefore writing to advise you that, as a result, retention of the School Crossing Patrol site in Hartington Road is under consideration for relocation.
“As you will be aware, the factors supporting the provision of a SCP include sufficient demand by pedestrians on foot for a surface crossing point.
It boggles the mind that parents around the world display similar behaviour. This despite the fact that it is their own and the safety of their children that is at stake. In South Africa similar problems are evident. This despite enforcement and education around the matter.
Are the council nuts? Why don’t they enforce the parking lines? They waste our council tax painting the damn things but then don’t bother to enforce them. Just like their stupid 20mph signs.