PARENTS and motorists in the Borders have been urged to take care when driving children to school after reports of potential near-misses involving cars and pupils.

Police Scotland have said they received several reports from some schools in the region of near-misses between schoolchildren and vehicles.

Following this, the force are asking parents to obey local parking restrictions and exercise caution when driving by local schools during weekday mornings and afternoons.

In a statement, they said: "Children going to and from school are not always highly visible, particularly when they are wearing dark coats and dark trousers and it is dark.

"Drivers should pay particular attention when driving along popular school routes and outside schools.

"We would urge parents and relatives who drive children to school to always obey the local parking restrictions.

"Do not park on the yellow zig zag lines or near junctions, do not obstruct driveways, do not park on double yellow lines or single lines during restricted times and when arriving and/or leaving school always check around you for pedestrians.

"Some children may be smaller than your vehicle, especially for those who drive large 4x4s.

"Always drive carefully in and around schools at a speed that is within the limits. You do not need to drive at the maximum speed permitted.

"Children can be excited and distracted, especially at home time and so drivers should always exercise caution near schools."