PARENTS have been urged to park responsibly outside schools in a bid to reduce the risk of accidents.

Police and the council have launched initiatives in Darwen after concerns were raised by schools and parents.

In Whitehall ward, councillors teamed up with the police to carry out high-visibility patrols outside Ashleigh Primary School, Ross Street, and St Barnabas Primary School, Knowsley Road, in mornings and at home time.

At Ashleigh, pupils from years five and six helped by handing out warning letters to motorists.

Community beat manager PC Phil Hambley said: “We know drivers don’t intend their actions to compromise the safety of others, but it is quite clear this behaviour is putting children’s lives at risk.

“The involvement of the councillors means we can make sure there has been someone outside school every afternoon for the duration of the operation.

“We will continue to run similar operations in the future and I would ask people to contact police with any concerns about dangerous parking outside schools.”

Blackburn with Darwen Council has also launched initiatives to combat inconsiderate parking, including a competition to come up with a radio campaign.

Coun Kate Hollern, leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “We know inconsiderate parking at schools is an issue we must tackle.

“We are running many initiatives to tackle this problem including running a road safety project in schools.

“As part of Your Call, we have invited schools to come up with a catchy radio campaign to help change the behaviour of drivers so they consider the way they drive and park near schools.

“Already a number of schools have said they would love to take part, so we will be working with the schools over the next few weeks until the end of term.

“In September we will be judging the entries and the winner will get the opportunity to have their campaign professionally produced and then played on local radio.”