RESIDENTS living on a “dangerous” road have taken action to stop their kids from being run over by “reckless” drivers.
They say their lives are put at risk by school-run drivers on their road in Leicester – and now they’ve hit back.
Bhavini Varsam lives on Magnus Road, Leicester, just around the corner from Rushey Mead Primary School.
The 30-year-old is among a bunch of infuriated residents who’ve had their roads blocked by parents and been told to “eff off”, dare they complained.
The residents fear the actions of some parents could lead to something more sinister, should it persist.
Bhavini told LeicestershireLive: “I am very surprised a kid hasn’t been knocked over.
“What is the point waiting for that to happen? We have got disabled children, elderly parents.
“There are a lot of people [on this road] that need ambulances as an emergency.”
On Wednesday, October 16, the residents made a stand and blocked off part of the road.
Displayed on a yellow cone was the homemade sign, “residents only”.
They also questioned any cars trying to access the street.
Leicestershire Police confirmed that officers were called to the street following a report of people “blocking off the road”.
The report is believed to have been made by a relative dropping off a child, LeicestershireLive reports.
Action has been taken as Bhavini felt that school parents did not take into consideration how their parking impacted residents.
Even though parents have been told to park in Rushey Fields, Bhavani believes the parking situation has worsened over the past four years.
Bhavini’s mother Harsha, worries that should her husband, who is on end of life care deteriorate, they will not be able to access an ambulance due to the parking problems.
She says her husband has only weeks left to live.
Harsha said: “We want to put bollards here. We will be happy to pay for that.”
Bhavini also suggested a private parking permit.
She said: “We are asking for something to be done where the cars are not allowed to come in with some sort of barrier or camera.
“Where parents are fined for parking in a place where they shouldn’t.”
Leicester City Council said they are aware of the “issues around inconsiderate and dangerous parking” close to the school.
A spokesperson added: “We are planning to introduce parking restrictions between 8-9am and 2.30-4pm on part of Magnus Road, along with double lines on the school side of the street to prevent parking at any time.
“We will also be making amendments to the school keep clear markings and this will enable them to be enforceable by camera if required.
“There is already a school Park and Stride scheme in place, where parents have permission to park in Rushey Fields Recreation Ground car park and walk the last five minutes to the school.”
What to do if someone’s blocking your drive
According to the RAC, “it is perfectly legal to park outside someone’s house, unless the vehicle is blocking a driveway or a wheel is over a dropped kerb.
“If your vehicle is on your driveway and another car is parked on a public highway and blocking your access out of your driveway, the council has the power to act.”
You can also report the blocking issue to the police who may ticket and tow away the car.
In some cases, parking disputes come under antisocial behaviour, a matter to be dealt with by the police. However, your local authority should be contacted first.
