Residents call for action after being trapped in by traffic chaos at Peterborough primary school

Residents in Orton have said that they are fed up of the traffic chaos caused by parents dropping off their children at St John's Church School in Riseholme, Orton Goldhay.

Issues have persisted in Riseholme for many years. After imposing a road closure for an hour at pick-up and drop-off time, ANPR cameras were installed in May to support compliance with parking restrictions after action from Peterborough City Council’s School Streets scheme in conjunction with Councillor Kirsty Knight and with the support of the school.

Cllr Knight, however, now says that issues are continuing due to an alternative entrance to the school.

Residents have complained about being totally blocked in by inconsiderate parking in residential areas, making them late for work on several occasions.

Issues are said to stem from the school opening a gate at the rear of the school that opens onto Peanut Park and backs out onto residential streets Pennington, Collingham and Beckingham.

Calls have now been made for the entrance to be closed to ease the congestion.

Cllr Knight said: “I went to Safer School Streets four years ago because we weren’t talking about near misses, there were children getting hit by cars while going to school.

“The road to the school on Riseholme is too narrow. It’s a cul-de-sac not designed for school traffic.

“What residents are now doing is parking on residential streets and blocking residents in. We have massive issues too because the road backs onto a bus lane too. Last year, two ambulances on 999 calls couldn’t get down the street because of parents blocking the road.

“I don’t think the council need to do anything. They have done what they need to do to make Riseholme safe. Unfortunately, parents are now going to this other gate and somebody is going to get injured.

"It’s causing a major inconvenience for residents too. I have spoken to a lady in the past few weeks who has made an hour and a half late for work because she just couldn’t get out.

"We’ve also had paramedics racing down the road on foot to attend to somebody who has had a fall because they can’t get down the road.”

St John's Church School and Safer Streets have been contacted for comment.