CHILDREN walking to a Withycombe school will be safer after a ban on parking was imposed this week, outside Marpool Primary.

CHILDREN walking to a Withycombe school will be safer after a ban on parking was imposed this week, outside Marpool Primary.

If the ban works it could extend to other congested areas outside schools including Bassett’s Farm Primary School, in St Johns Road, and Brixington Primary School.

The county council has imposed a parking and waiting ban from this week for 18 months in Moorfield Road, 230 metres west of Bradham Lane.

It follows increasing concerns about children’s safety in the congested road –in 2009 bus firm Stagecoach was forced to put some of its services on hold.

The number of cars parked on both sides of the road saw buses struggling to continue, while the company had raised concerns about the safety of children crossing the road.

The issue was initially raised by county councillor Brenda Taylor at a town council meeting.

Devon County Council met with both Stagecoach and Marpool Primary School in an effort to address the problem.

Now a complete ban on all waiting in that road for a distance of 86 metres is in force between 8am and 5pm.

A spokesman for the county council said: “The experimental no waiting zone is being introduced to ensure the free flow of buses during peak periods.

“It is being introduced on an experimental basis to allow the restriction to be reviewed should the need arise.

“The county council’s reason for making this order is to ensure free passage of buses and aid the free flow of traffic.”

A Stagecoach spokesman said: “Traffic congestion in the area surrounding Marpool School at its start and finish times is very severe. We believe there is a health and safety risk.”

Town councillors this week backed the move and Cllr Maddie Chapman said: “If it goes well and works hopefully they could do the same at Bassett’s Farm and Brixington Primary Schools.”