FRUSTRATIONS surrounding the issue of irresponsible parking in Carlisle are growing, with residents voicing concerns over vehicles blocking bus lanes, occupying multiple parking bays, and obstructing roads near schools during drop-off and pick-up times.
A common issue nationwide, small schools in built-up suburban areas are often plagued by cars mounting curbs, ignoring yellow zig-zags, double parking, and blocking access for larger vehicles.
Trying to make a difference, the Facebook page Ladgeful Parked Screeves was founded with the dual purposes of raising awareness of the issue... and shaming the parkers themselves.
The page administrator told the News & Star that they have witnessed repeated incidents of cars parked in hazardous spots, including zigzag-marked areas outside schools.
"I saw a near miss outside a school," they said.
“I tried to report the driver parked on zigzags to the police, but they weren't interested. I contacted the council, and they said to contact the police."
The page often features photographs of poorly parked cars, with the aim of encouraging drivers to improve their habits.
Often this provokes a reaction of anger and humour from the page users, and embarrassment from the offending parker.
The admin said that some think it’s ‘funny’ when their parking errors are shared, while others react with threats.
Newlaithes School on Langrigg Road and Lowther Street in Carlisle city centre are frequently cited as problematic locations.
The latter faces particular challenges with food delivery drivers.
“They block the bus stops,” the admin noted.
“There’s a huge problem all over the city with people parking on pavements and not leaving enough room for prams and wheelchairs.
“I saw a man in a mobility scooter unable to get through a gap between a shop’s display and the shop owner's car; he had to turn back.”
Adding to the conversation, a Carlisle bus driver - who wished to remain anonymous - voiced their frustration, particularly with the lack of accountability.
“I've sent loads of photos to that page,” the driver stated, referring to Ladgeful Parked Screeves.
“I've lost count of how many times I’ve pulled up opposite The Royal Scot in Morton and not been able to pull into the stop because of cars.”
Both the bus driver and page admin said they've had difficulties finding out which authority is responsible.
“I’ve tried to report them to the police, police say report to council, council say report to police,” the bus driver said. “The people that run that page try to shame bad drivers to make them stop. They’ve also tried to report them,” they added.
The page’s admin concluded that something needs to be done about the issue 'before someone is hurt'.
On Thursday, October 24, Carlisle’s neighbourhood policing team was outside Newlaithes School reminding parents that stopping on yellow zigzag lines, even briefly, can result in a fine.
Officers monitored the area with civilian enforcement officers, and while they found no major issues they did speak to a couple of people.
A spokesperson from Carlisle Police said: "These zig zags are there to protect children as they enter and exit school and give them the space to check its safe to cross the road without any hidden surprises.
"Thank you to all the parents who are finding safe responsible places to park and being considerate of both children and residents in the community."
A Cumberland Council spokesperson said the authority works “closely with the police to address parking issues across the area” and drivers are responsible for parking safely and considerately.
Failing this can “create significant road safety issues,” they said.
“We ask everyone to be mindful of whether their vehicle is blocking roads or restricting access.
"Improper parking is a serious issue, especially when it prevents emergency vehicles from accessing an area quickly.
“We ask that all residents and parents park with care and help make the areas around schools safer for pupils,” they added.
Inspector Andy Leather from Carlisle Neighbourhood policing team said the police works closely with the council and they receive numerous complaints about parking during school hours.
He added: “Whilst we aim to educate drives on the danger of inconsiderate parking, we also have taken action to ensure the safety of everyone especially children.
“We would ask people to park with consideration for others and to give particular thought to whether the placement of their vehicle could block the road or access.
“Not doing so can be a serious issue, particularly where it inhibits emergency vehicles from being able to travel along a road or access an area.”
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