Dundee parents say they have been left with “nowhere safe to park” when dropping their children off at school – after the grounds of a nearby church were closed following an insurance claim.
Ss Leonard and Fergus Church on St Leonard Place is used regularly by those dropping off and picking up pupils at St Andrew’s Primary, across the road.
But the car park has been shut for repairs, after an insurance claim was lodged against the church.
It is understood the claim centres on an incident involving a pothole.
It has not been confirmed whether this case involves a parent at the school, but those who use it say it has exacerbated traffic problems in the area.
It comes as a driving ban has now come into force around the school – prohibiting cars from entering certain streets at the start and end of the school day.
A spokesperson for the Diocese of Dunkeld, which runs the church, says the car park has been closed to reduce the chance of further incidents – but may become available for use again once the work has finished.
The spokesperson said: “Following an incident in the church car park, which is being dealt with by insurers, arrangements are being made to carry out repairs and maintenance of the car park.
“Separately, discussions are ongoing with St Andrew’s Primary School in the hope that shared liability and shared access to the car park can be agreed for the benefit of school parents in future.”
‘The walk isn’t the problem – it’s finding somewhere to park’
One mum claims the closure of the car park means there are no safe places to park near the school.
She told The Courier: “I would normally use the church car park because it’s somewhere safe to park.
“I don’t want to be parking on a main road and trying to get my daughter out of the car.
“The walking is not the problem, it’s finding somewhere safe to park – there is nowhere safe to park.
“I have had to start parking at Lidl car park but I’m sure they’ll get annoyed at that soon.”
Another mum said: “I normally park at the church car park and that’s fine.
“Now I have to park a few streets away and walk five minutes. That’s OK – but imagine if it’s raining.
“I’m hoping the church car park will open up again soon.”
Another parent said: “The car park closing has made it worse – it’s taking more time to do the drop-off now.
“People are parking on the double yellow lines. People are parking on the grass.”
Police were spotted outside the school on Monday morning as the new driving ban came into force.
The rules apply between 8.30am and 9.15am, and 3pm and 3.30pm, each weekday.
A man who walks his grandchildren to school twice a week has welcomed the change of rules.
He said: “I would expect the police to be here enforcing it.
“That’s the only way to force people. I think it’s a good idea.
“It’s an accident waiting to happen – this street is a rat run.”
Similar bans have been imposed around other schools in Dundee, including Downfield.
Conversation