Lazy parents are sparking fury among other motorists by parking illegally outside a city private school, 10 years after the problem was first highlighted.
More than a dozen cars were photographed flouting the law outside Robert Gordon’s College (RGC) in Schoolhill, Aberdeen at the end of one school day this week.
The schools only started term last week.
Some drivers believe parents are putting the safety of children at risk, and are concerned that they could be facing months of extra noise and traffic unless the problem is nipped in the bud.
Resident Keith McDonald said: “I’ve seen plenty of near misses there with children caused by the tailbacks, it’s just a matter of time before someone gets hurt. Denburn car park is normally not even half full so it’s pure laziness. It’s been going on here a long time. Where are the traffic wardens? These parents are utterly inconsiderate.”
Councillor Sandra Macdonald, who represents the George St/Harbour area of the city, added: “I’ve certainly seen pretty poor parking from the John Lewis side.
“I believe that parents should be mindful not to park on double yellow lines whether it’s at Robert Gordon’s College or any other school in the city. They need to realise it isn’t their divine right to park wherever they want. It is irritating.
“I imagine the wardens will be on top of it sooner rather than later. It does cause a nuisance.”
Bad parking has been reported at the school since as far back as 2007, when disabled residents blasted parents who were taking up their bays. Two years later more than a dozen cars were photographed parked on the double yellows, including BMW’s and a Bentley.
In 2011, more thoughtless parents were photographed parking illegally, and in 2013 the situation got so bad that wardens were drafted in the dish out tickets.
After a brief period of improvement, bad parking returned in 2015, prompting Aberdeen City Council to order the return of the wardens to the area.
RGC head Simon Mills said: “Alongside other city centre schools who can experience traffic congestion at peak times, we continue to work with Aberdeen City Council to help improve road safety and traffic flow as they continue to further develop the city centre.”
An Aberdeen City Council spokeswoman said: “City Wardens are committed to daily patrols in the area to deter any illegal parking and give suitable advice to allow for the free flow of traffic in the area.
“We continue to work with RGC on educating pupils at pertinent times and we would encourage RGC to continue to work to reduce the problem so it is not so much of an issue for other road users.”
