Bad parking outside schools in Derby may soon be a thing of the past.
Parents and carers have been issued a “beware” warning and urged to park responsibly as police crackdown on dangerous parking outside schools in Derbyshire.
The operation, which targets hotspots like Chinley Primary School, comes amid growing concerns about safety around school gates.
Also read: Traffic news from in and around Derby
Police have already sent warning letters to parents, emphasizing their intent to address the issue. A spokesperson for the local policing team explained, “We are clamping down on parking dangerously outside Chinley Primary School.
“Our aim is to patrol each school on the beat as regularly as we can. As I’m sure you can imagine, we have several schools to cover, so please bear with us if you don’t see us outside yours every day.”
Live as Derby accident forces major road closure in both directions
Growing concerns over dangerous parking outside Derby schools
The problem of reckless parking isn’t confined to Chinley. Similar concerns have been raised outside other schools across Derbyshire, including Normanton, Sinfin, and Ripley.
Even university premises in Derby town have seen issues, with cars blocking pathways and creating pedestrian hazards.
Local hotspots include busy drop-off areas near Pear Tree Junior School and schools in Sinfin, where vehicles regularly park on double yellow lines, block driveways, and obstruct crossing points.
A Derby University student also flagged problems with students and visitors parking irresponsibly, especially near residence halls.
Derby’s serious problem with illegal parking at schools
During drives around Derby, Derby Now reporters observed widespread illegal and dangerous parking near several educational institutions, including Hamilton Nursery, Pear Tree Junior School, Derby High School, and Renpark Primary.
The scenes painted a troubling picture of disregard for safety and traffic regulations.
At Hamilton Nursery, vehicles were parked at the blind intersection, creating a serious risk for oncoming traffic. Drivers pulling in and out of these spots forced cars to swerve dangerously into oncoming lanes.
Outside Pear Tree Junior, intersections were blocked by parents waiting to drop off their children, causing confusion and impeding traffic flow.
Near Derby High School, cars came to a complete stop in the middle of the road, forming winding lines of traffic as other vehicles struggled to navigate around them.
At Renpark Primary, the situation was no better, with vehicles parked on pedestrian crossings and double yellow lines, forcing children and parents to weave through moving cars to reach the school gates safely.
The issue has escalated to the point where vigilante groups have taken matters into their own hands. On social media, these groups post images of illegally parked cars, often including license plates, to publicly shame offenders.
While some see this as a way to hold drivers accountable, others argue it can lead to privacy violations and unnecessary conflict.
The chaotic parking practices around these schools highlight the urgent need for stricter enforcement and better cooperation between parents, schools, and authorities to ensure the safety of both children and other road users.
Schools support the crackdown on bad parking
School administrators have welcomed the initiative, citing the dangers posed to children and families by poor parking habits. One Headteacher, who cannot be named, told Derby Now this was long overdue.
She expressed relief at the increased police presence.
“Dangerous parking near our school gates has been a constant issue,” she said.
“It puts our pupils and parents at risk, and we’re grateful that the police are taking action. This operation will hopefully encourage everyone to prioritize safety over convenience.”
A headteacher of another school in Ripley echoed similar sentiments, calling the operation a step in the right direction.
“For years, we’ve been asking parents to park sensibly, but unfortunately, it’s not always heeded. Having police patrols outside schools reinforces the importance of protecting our students.”
Mixed reactions from parents
The crackdown has drawn mixed responses from parents. While many welcome the increased safety measures, others question where they are supposed to park given the lack of designated spaces near schools.
Jane Russell, a mother of two from Chinley, said she fully supports the operation. “I’ve seen so many near misses outside the school gates. Some drivers are in such a rush they don’t think about how dangerous their actions are. I’m glad the police are stepping in before someone gets hurt.”
However, not all parents share their views. Mark Davis, whose children attend a school in Sinfin, expressed frustration over the lack of alternatives.
“I get why they’re doing it, but where are we supposed to park? The school doesn’t provide enough space, and not everyone can walk from home. It’s not fair to punish parents when the infrastructure isn’t there.”
Wider community impact
The crackdown isn’t just about safety for schoolchildren. Residents in affected areas, often inconvenienced by blocked driveways and congested streets, have also welcomed the initiative.
“I live near a school in Ripley, and the parking situation has been a nightmare for years,” said resident Alan Cooper.
“Parents park across my driveway all the time. It’s about time something was done.”
Striking a balance
While the crackdown may cause short-term frustration for some, the hope is that it will lead to lasting improvements in safety and cooperation between schools, parents, and the wider community.
Parking laws in Derby
In Derby, parking regulations are designed to ensure road safety and accessibility for all. The council enforces strict rules around schools and residential areas, focusing on reducing hazards caused by obstructive or illegal parking. Key regulations include:
Double yellow lines: Parking is prohibited at all times unless loading or unloading.
School keep-clear zones: These areas, marked with zigzag lines, must remain clear during specified times to allow safe crossing for children and pedestrians.
Dropped kerbs and driveways: It is illegal to park across dropped kerbs or obstruct driveways, as this blocks access for residents and wheelchair users.
Permit zones: Parking in permit-only areas is restricted to residents or visitors with valid permits.
Failure to comply can result in fines, vehicle removal, or prosecution. The council also encourages parents to park responsibly near schools, suggesting alternative drop-off points and walking routes to ease congestion. For repeat offenders, Derbyshire Police and civil enforcement officers have the authority to issue penalty charge notices.
With the growing crackdown on dangerous parking, parents and residents are urged to familiarize themselves with these laws to avoid penalties and contribute to safer roads in their communities.
Specialist army team called in and road closed after suspected munitions found in River Derwent
