Schools across North Ayrshire have joined forces to launch a new campaign urging parents to be respectful when parking at school.

The schools are calling on parents and carers to sign a ‘Parking Pledge’ when children return to school after the summer holidays.

The pledge asks for support in reducing congestion around the school gates and ‘keep clear’ markings. It also encourages parents to consider healthier options when travelling to school by promoting walking, cycling and riding a scooter as alternative options.

By signing the Parking Pledge, parents agree to:

· Park sensibly, and never on the school’s Keep Clear zigzag lines or within 10m of a junction or on double yellow lines

· Only drive to school when necessary – all other times travelling by foot, bike or scooter

· Keep within the limits when in the 20mph school zone

· Look out for other pedestrians and cyclists

· Respect other residents by not parking in resident parking bays (unless drivers have a permit), or on pavements which can cause access problems

Councillor Jim Montgomerie, Cabinet Member for Place, said: “The Parking Pledge reminds parents and carers of their responsibility to ensure the safety of pupils by asking them to park in a safe and responsible manner in the vicinity of our schools.

“It also encourages the use of more active travel methods such as cycling, walking and riding a scooter which are not only more healthy alternatives to driving, but they also make the journey to and from school more fun.”

For more information on how to sign up to the Parking Pledge, get in touch with your child’s school or follow the Council’s Road Safety Officer on Twitter @RoadSafetyNAC for updates