POLICE are to clamp down on problem parking in Pendle in a bid to prevent parents putting children's lives at risk.

They say it is only a matter of time before a child is killed or seriously injured because of inconsiderate parking near schools when parents drop off or pick up pupils.

Now they have targeted 10 schools in Nelson, Colne, Barnoldswick and Barrowford in bid to stamp out the problem.

The campaign starts on January 12 when offenders will be warned they are contravening road traffic laws.

Those who don't take heed face on-the-spot fines.

PC Mark Webster of Burnley police said: "We have received numerous complaints from members of the public and headmasters that some parents are causing unnecessary problems outside schools." Some, he says, are cause by parking within yellow zigzag lines, obstructing streets and entrances, parking on corners and blocking nearby residents' drives.

"By parking within the yellow zigzags, which are clearly marked 'Keep Clear', parents are showing a blatant disregard for children's safety," said PC Webster.

"This area is provided so that other motorists have a clear view of the outside of the school because this is where the greatest danger of a child running out into the road."

Police are also concerned about parents endangering their children by overloading their cars and not making children wear seatbelts.

He said police throughout the Pendle area would be visiting schools early in the new year to advise parents of the various traffic laws.

"This exercise will be followed up by a period of strict enforcement."

He added: "Parents are responsible for the safety of their own children and drivers have even wider responsibilities.

"If parents don't take up those responsibilities, the police will have to take firm action."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.