Free parking proposal to end chaos on Sandon Road at pick up and drop off times for Kesteven and Grantham Girls’ School, Little Gonerby Primary Academy, Sandon School and St Mary’s Catholic Voluntary Academy

Calls have been made to offer a free hour at a public car park to tackle congestion around multiple Grantham schools at pick-up and drop-off times.

South Kesteven District Council, Lincolnshire County Council and the Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership have all been made aware of the potential safety issues caused by on-street parking in Sandon Road during peak hours for schools.

Over the summer, the three local authorities confirmed that they were looking to tackle the issue.

A meeting took place between District Councillor Charmaine Morgan, County Councillor Adam Stokes, an LCC highways officer, road safety officer and a local resident, where it was decided that they would approach SKDC to request an hour’s free parking in Welham Street Car Park for parents.

Coun Morgan confirmed that a further meeting with SKDC to discuss this proposal is planned.

She also highlighted issues with Sandon School buses blocking road and pedestrian access to the sheltered housing on Sandon Close, and cars being parked in the sheltered housing scheme outside bungalows, despite restrictions in place.

Coun Morgan said that it was agreed that LCC road safety officers and Coun Stokes would approach Sandon School and more traffic wardens could patrol Sandon Close, subject to the free parking in Welham Street going ahead.

“It was a very productive meeting,” said Coun Morgan. “It is important the focus on road safety is maintained.

“We cannot solve all issues but should make improvement where we can. In the meantime, we will be highlighting the risks of parking on Sandon Road and Sandon Close in a questionnaire to parents. We are grateful for the schools’ co-operation in this matter.”

Kesteven and Grantham Girls’ School and Little Gonerby Primary Academy sit at either end of Sandon Road. Meanwhile, St Mary’s Catholic Voluntary Academy and Sandon School are in Sandon Close, off Sandon Road.

James Fuller, headteacher at KGGS, said: “We are aware that the parking situation on Sandon Road at the end of the school day causes problems for the public and emergency services.

“We have therefore been working with parents to request that they do not park on zig zag lines or park irresponsibly and block the road and pathways.

“We have been in discussions with SKDC and our local councillor regarding the possibility of an hour’s free parking at Welham Street car park at the end of the school day to encourage parents to park away from school and for our students to walk to meet them there.”

Little Gonerby CE Primary Academy headteacher Joe Hawkins said: “As is the case for schools up and down the country, we appreciate that the timing around school drop-off and pick-up inevitably puts a strain on local roads.

“We encourage families to walk to school or use other forms of transport if they can, where this isn’t possible, we ask that cars are parked safely and respectfully of our neighbours.”

Sara Tyers, acting headteacher at St Mary’s said: “Due to the proximity of four schools in the area and a lack of adequate parking spaces, St Mary's Catholic Academy faces significant challenges during morning drop-off and end-of-day collection times.

“This situation often leads to individuals parking in restricted areas, causing traffic congestion and even forcing members of the public to drive on the pavement where our families walk.

“While we have implemented various strategies to ensure the safety of our families, we believe that additional measures should be introduced by the local authority to address this issue.”

Stela Plamenova, headteacher at Sandon School, said: “The school is working with the Local Authority and Transport Connect to do what we can to help relieve congestion. It is a much wider issue due to the number of schools in the area.

Transport Connect have been on site at Sandon School this week to monitor the traffic and discuss options to formulate a solution that suits all concerned.”

Former district councillor Bruce Wells was chair of the Harrowby and St Anne’s Tenants Association in 1994 and said that a meeting from 25 years ago discussed alternative suggestions about the parking in Sandon Road.

Mr Wells said: “One was double yellow lines, others were double kerbing and policing.

“The one that the tenants and residents put forward was to use the land at the top of Wyndham Park opposite St Mary’s School, which is rarely used, for parking.

“They said we can’t afford it. It’s a big expense. 25 years later, they’re still asking the question. If they’d done that 25 years ago, it would’ve been settled.

“This is not a new problem. They’ve known about it for the last 25 years.”

The leader of SKDC, Councillor Richard Cleaver, said: “A review of charges in SKDC-operated car parks is under way, which will include a statutory public consultation on proposed new parking charges later this year. “I am anxious to try to ensure that new charges at Welham Street will assist in mitigating problems outside the schools on Sandon Road.”