An experimental safety plan around Perthshire schools is still being flouted by “yummy mummies”, almost two years after it was introduced.
A traffic ban is in place during pick up and drop off times at Luncarty, Burrelton, Coupar Angus and Arngask, which frustrated neighbours say is being ignored.
They claim parents are parking opposite junctions, on bends and inside the exclusion zone and nobody from Perth and Kinross Council or the police has enforced the rules.
The scheme was brought introduced following the tragic death of two-year-old Harlow Edward in Coupar Angus, knocked down while walking along Forfar Road with her older sister and brother in October 2016.
It bans people from driving in the exclusion zone when lights flash, usually during peak pick up and drop off times, apart from residents with permits.
Almost two years after the trial began, the council is due to review the scheme and decide whether to roll it out elsewhere.
George Black, chairman of Luncarty, Redgorton and Moneydie Community Council, said the exclusion zone could be successful, but only if it is properly enforced.
He said: “It seems like an oversight to me, which may be because Coupar Angus understandably had to take priority when the wee girl died.
“I don’t know of anybody who has been prosecuted for breaking the rules so if people know they won’t be punished they will keep doing it.
“Then there is the attitude of people thinking ‘well if they’re doing it, why shouldn’t I?’
“I think it’s a good idea but only if it is properly managed, which hasn’t happened so far.”
This was backed by a scathing complaint, sent to The Courier by an anonymous Luncarty resident.
It said: “The council erected a large sign with flashing light and some of the yummy mummies and daddies completely ignore this as their little darlings can’t be bothered to walk a few metres.
“The yummy brigade abandon their cars at the end of and opposite road junctions, and on the bends of the streets with total disregard to other road users. Some days the bin lorry can’t get through.
“As usual there is never any action taken against people who ignore the sign.”
A spokeswoman from Perth and Kinross Council said enforcement was a matter for police but confirmed the trial is due to be reviewed.
“While it is not an offence to park within the school exclusion zone, it is an offence to drive within the zone during the restricted hours without a valid permit,” she said.
“This trial is currently being assessed and a report on the findings will be submitted to the environment and infrastructure committee in due course.
“Poor parking and driving within the school exclusion zone are matters for Police Scotland and we will also share our findings with them to allow targeted enforcement to be carried out.”
Nobody from the police was available for comment.
