Outrage as school bus picking up kids is slapped with a parking ticket

Coach parked outside Torquay school is given a ticket
-Credit: (Image: Submitted)


Outraged parents have slammed the "disgraceful" actions of parking officers who issued a ticket to a bus picking up pupils outside a school in Torquay. The coach had stopped outside Shiphay Learning Academy in Exe Hill to allow Year 6 pupils to board.

They were on their way to an out-of-school activity day and were saying goodbye to family when the parking attendant pounced and slapped a fine notice on the windscreen. The coach was parked close to the main school entrance, part of it encroaching onto zig zags.

One witness said mums asked the officers to show some common sense but were met with a stony refusal. The council says its officers were on the receiving end of unacceptable 'abuse'.

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A grandparent told DevonLive: "All the parents were up in arms - it was absolutely disgraceful behaviour from Torbay Council parking attendant.

Parking Services van in Torquay after issuing ticket
Parking Services van in Torquay after issuing ticket -Credit:Submitted

"It was completely uncalled for as traffic always stops on the zig zags to allow traffic up Exe Hill. The parking outside the school is nearly always taken by hospital cars, they have to park somewhere, but this guy showed no empathy at all towards the teacher and school explaining it was only there for the children’s safety."

"We all couldn’t believe how this attendant had no empathy or understanding towards the children's safety."

Photos show two parking attendants at the scene. What has angered parents even more is that their van appeared to be left on double yellow lines a short distance away while they issued the ticket.

"The absolute hypocrisy was them actually parking the way they did," said the grandmother.

Shiphay Learning Academy, a primary school for ages five to 11, said it was aware of the incident but had no comment to make. Torbay Council has rejected the criticism and says the safety of children and parents is a priority.

A spokesperson said: “Working with schools our Community Enforcement Officers ensure the ‘no stopping’ areas are kept clear. These restrictions are in place to support the safety of children and parents arriving and leaving schools. Any vehicles which are witnessed to park in this restricted area will receive a penalty charge notice.

“Our officers are happy to work with schools to ensure that these areas are kept clear, and look at other safe parking options when vehicles like coaches are arranged to pick up or drop off. If the coach firm feel this ticket was given in error, they can follow our appeals process.

“Our Community Enforcement Officers were carrying their role and duties and unfortunately they did receive abuse while doing this which isn’t acceptable.”

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