School rush hour parking has become a nightmare for one Bristol GP practice which says it's 'very disappointed that despite numerous and ongoing requests', some parents continue to park onsite when collecting their children.
Stoke Gifford Medical Centre, on Ratcliffe Drive, is just a stone's throw away from St Michael's CofE Primary School - and with double yellow lines clearly displayed on nearby residential streets, vehicles car parking bays at the practice have become a go-to drop-off and pick-up point for parents.
A patient who has asked to remain anonymous said when she arrived at the practice for her 3.30 pm appointment on Tuesday (January 10), she was unable to park despite arriving 20 minutes early. She told Bristol Live she had to park temporarily in an ambulance space until a spot became available.
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She said: "I noticed there were many people sitting in their cars and just assumed that they were waiting for someone from the doctors. But the longer I sat there, I noticed people getting out and blatantly walking over to the school gates with no care in the world.
The Stoke Gifford native said when she informed her practice about this, she was told signs had been put in place but that parents just 'ignored them'. When she exited the surgery after her short appointment, she said 'the car park was clear' with no children in sight. She told Bristol Live that a barrier with an intercom system would help to deter non-patient visitors.
A spokesperson from Stoke Gifford Medical Centre said: "Their actions are preventing patients, who are often unwell or have limited mobility, from accessing the surgery. This is adding to the distress and worry of those visitors to the practice who are seeking medical attention.
"It also creates hazards due to the additional volume of traffic and could result in delays for patients accessing treatment. We would ask that these parents consider the affect of their actions on others and show more consideration by parking elsewhere. "
A spokesperson on behalf of St Michael's CofE Primary School said: "We have good relationships with our neighbours and while of course there are busy times at the beginning and end of the school day, we regularly remind our parents and carers to park safely, sensibly and considerately when bringing their children to and from school, including specifically asking them not to park in the doctor’s surgery car park.
The school is now encouraging families to 'walk, cycle or scooter to school where this is an appropriate option, to reduce traffic, parking issues and pollution, for the benefit of our whole community'.
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