Commuters blamed for parking problems

Parents arrive at Polegate School to find cars clogging up Oakleaf Drive.

A meeting was held at the school to discuss traffic issues at the site.

Worried parents met with Norman Baker MP, county councillors, police, residents, governors and staff.

Headteacher Clive Hale said the outcome of the meeting was what he expected.

He said: 'I am not at all surprised that most of the issues were passed back to the school but at least the county council is looking at what could be done to improve the road.

'Commuters are parking away from the train station, around the school.

'That leaves less space for those parents who do have to use cars.'

A spokesman for East Sussex County Council said the situation would be monitored.

He said: 'Our road safety officers will be reviewing the road markings outside Polegate school including the zig-zag 'keep clear' markings and continuing to work with the school on their school travel plan.'

Three quarters of the pupils walk to the school or take part in car

sharing schemes.

A new walking bus scheme and extra traffic signs designed by the children are also likely to be set up soon.

Mr Hale said: 'Even when children live some distance away we are encouraging them to walk.

'We know we will never win but it is about trying to improve the situation.

'For the kids it is about them feeling healthy and safe.'

Mr Baker believed commuters could not use private car parks as the charges were too high.

He said: 'The main problem is that private car park companies are not regulated, particularly in this country.

'They extract money from people.

'The government needs to tighten up far more and improve regulations.'