THE latest attempt to crack down on ‘anti-social’ parking outside schools has seen police install mini officers warning drivers to keep their cars in line.

Signs are being placed along the pavements outside schools this week to ward people off from parking where they should not when it comes to picking up and dropping off their children.

The signs include messages such as “Don’t park on the zigzags”, “watch your speed” and “Do not park on the pavement”.

They have been funded by the police and crime commissioner’s office and are being rotated for weeks at a time around the county.

Last week there in Whitehaven and this week sees them patrol Barrow’s schools.

The scheme started yesterday outside Cambridge Primary School in Cambridge Street and the signs will stay in Barrow for the rest of the week.

Sgt Caroline Milligan said: “Historically we have a problem with anti-social parking outside schools in Barrow.

“People can park in a way that could be harmful to their children and others.”

Anyone spotted parking on the zig zag markings at the entrance to a school can received a ticket and a £70 fine.

Parking on double yellow lines is also illegal.

The parking laws are enforced by police officers as well as enforcement officers from Cumbria County Council.

The Mail recently joined an early morning parking patrol on Rating Lane, the site of Barrow Sixth Form College, Chetwynde School and St Bernard’s Catholic High School.

Parking officers said they adopted a “zero tolerance” approach to parents who park in places they should not.

Civil enforcement officer Tony Murphy said: “We do not tolerate this in any circumstances.”

The new signs follow a recent campaign by community police officers in south Cumbria

Parking Promise - a concept created by PSCO Sarah Blacow encourages parents and guardians to commit to drive and park responsibly outside the school area, and to use their vehicle as little as possible.

The program was initially set up on Friday at St Martin and St Mary C of E Primary School in Windermere and driven largely by their mini police team aged between nine and 11.

The scheme encourages parents and guardians to sign a pledge that says they will park safely around the school and in return will receive a car sticker showing their support - so far 80 have signed up.

Church Walk C.E. Primary School in Ulverston has also taken the scheme on board.

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