'It's only a matter of time until a child is seriously injured' - Sheffield headteacher claims children are being put at risk by parents' dangerous driving

Sheenagh Middleton, head of Rivelin Primary in Walkley, said there were two near misses recently where children were almost hit by vehicles performing three-point-turns outside the school on Morley Street.

She says staff have taken urgent action but it is only a matter of time before a pupil is hurt or worse.

Staff stand outside the school gates at drop-off and pick-up times and the school has asked council parking officials to patrol. It has also put up new banners reminding drivers to take care.

Mrs Middleton said: “It’s only a matter of time until a child is seriously injured, or worse.

“Parents are parking on pavements on Morley Street, performing U-turns, and driving without consideration for the small children around them.

“Even worse, when our caretaker has politely asked parents to take care, he has been verbally abused.”

She said the vast majority of parents are careful and respectful, but a small number of drivers continue to behave irresponsibly.

“This is setting a terrible example for our children, who are taught in school to treat others with respect.

“We’ve raised the problem with the council and they have agreed that the traffic situation is dangerous, but clearly more needs to be done.

“That’s why I’m calling on parents, on our wider school community and on the local authority to help us put an end to this now - before a tragic accident occurs.”

Action has already been taken at other schools across Sheffield who have reported similar problems with dangerous parking.

The School Streets pilot scheme has tested closing a section of Bannerdale Road at peak school drop-off and pick-up times, to allow children to travel safely to Holt House Infant School and Carterknowle Junior School.

The council recently painted double yellow lines outside Rivelin school to try to make it safer for pedestrians.

And local councillor Ben Curran said he had received a number of complaints from residents who were concerned about cars parking illegally during school rush hour.