PUPILS at Walwayne Court Primary are leading the way in trying to stop drivers speeding and double parking outside the school following several near-misses.

Children from the school’s eco council staged a demonstration on Monday, displaying home-made placards at the entrance in an effort to make drivers realise the effect their behaviour has.

Outdoor learning subject leader and teacher Claire Pike said that after several instances where children had almost been hit by drivers and the school’s lollipop man Gordon Colbourne was knocked off his bicycle by someone opening their car door, the school council has been doing everything it can.

“There have been too many occasions where children have nearly been hit by cars that double park, speed or turn in the school’s entrance at the start and end of the school day,” she said.

“We have done several peaceful demonstrations outside the school to raise awareness of this issue as we have had several near-misses. We have yellow lines on either side of the school entrance but people still park there, which is unacceptable.

“Due to the sheer volume of traffic, cars turn around in the entrance, which is a health and safety risk. The eco council has been very proactive about trying to stop this and in recent weeks we are seeing an improvement, thanks to their efforts.

“Parents have given us a lot of positive feedback for raising awareness of this issue. What happened to our lollipop man was horrible. Thankfully he was okay but that should never have happened in the first place.

“People need to be more aware and take more care when dropping off their kids. We want to put an end to this for good.”