School car park to open following series of crashes

A 54-space car park and drop-off zone opposite a school that has seen a number of crashes is to open on Monday.

North East Lincolnshire Council said it built the car park on land off Station Road, outside Waltham Toll Bar Academy, in New Waltham, after parents raised safety concerns following five collisions in five years.

"Specifically, these concerns were surrounding the start and end of the school day," said a council spokesman.

The council-run car park, which also includes a motorcycle bay, will be open between 07:00 and 18:00 during term time, with a free drop-off and pick-up facility restricted to specific times in the morning and afternoon.

Councillor Stewart Swinburn, portfolio holder for transport, highways and housing at the authority, said: "This is a brilliant initiative that will ensure the safety of countless schoolchildren.

"We understand the concerns raised by parents and have acted upon them as swiftly as possible.

"It will undoubtedly be a vital asset to those using the car park and I look forward to it being utilised."

The car park will cost £1.50 for two hours of parking and £2.50 for the full day.

The authority said parking and stopping restrictions, such as double yellow lines, would be introduced on Station Road to "ensure drop-offs are made in the car park only".

"These restrictions are in place to help prevent parents parking on the grass verges either side of the road", the spokesman said.

A report last year by the authority said verge parking had caused "widespread damage".

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