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School run mums and dads targeted by police in Gateshead; Police have taken action after headteachers voiced concern over safety of children due to inconsiderate parking of many parents.

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Byline: Craig Thompson

Police are taking action against dangerous drivers who are risking the lives of hundreds of schoolchildren.

Concerns have been growing in recent months over the inconsiderate driving and parking of parents close to schools in Whickham, Gateshead.

Drivers regularly park in prohibited areas, stop to pick up their children on zig-zag lines, and many disregard warnings from teachers and traffic officers.

Now, following a flurry of complaints, police have decided to step up patrols at schools across Whickham in a bid to halt the problem before a child is seriously injured or killed.

Today, headteachers added their voices to the concerns.

Kerrie Hood, headteacher at Fellside Community Primary School, said the location of the school meant they had particular problems with parking and traffic issues.

She said: "We are right next door to Whickham Academy which means that we suffer from twice the problems.

"Our priority is, of course, the safety of our children so we have worked closely with the community, and parents, to make sure the message is getting out there.

"We do try to encourage children to walk to school, or ride their bikes, but we appreciate that while the weather is cold, this is not always possible.

"We just want people to have some consideration and be conscious about the safety of the children."

Inconsiderate driver have been spotted parking on pathways, blocking driveways and causing obstructions at the start and end of the school day.

In some cases drivers are blocking roads and potentially causing danger to school children and other pedestrians.

Peter Armstrong, headteacher of Whickham Parochial Church of England School, said: "Some...

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