POLICE launched a special two-day operation at the largest primary school in Galashiels last week in an attempt to educate motorists on responsible parking.

Officers were in attendance at St Peter’s Primary School speaking to parents and carers and asking them to stay off the yellow zig-zag lines which were painted onto roadways with the safety of pupils in mind.

It follows a series of complaints about irresponsible parking outside the main primary schools in Galashiels town centre with motorists and taxi drivers parking in bus lanes, blocking school entrances for drop offs and reversing into areas where children are walking.

Commenting on the story on our Facebook page, Lisa Rae said: “At St Peter’s?! That’s about the only school where people don’t park on the zig zags?! Burgh seems to have the problem from what I hear. Or up at Scott Park? Maybe the police couldn’t get parked there lol (laugh out loud).” Susan Falconer said: “This is just an idea. Could the children not be dropped off in Croft Street area and then walk round to the crossing? Maybe parents could do a walking rota.” Louise Riddell said: “Well, it didn’t work as I’ve just done a nursery drop off and they are parked on the yellow lines again.” Claire Robertson said: “This was an issue when my girls left over six years ago and valuable police resource having to be used is crazy. Park in Croft Street and walk round to meet lollipop man, can’t really get much safer or easier surely.” Carol Oliver said: “Just to add, it’s not only Gala schools that have issues with cars and dropping off and picking up! The traffic around the region’s schools needs to be looked at as a whole not just a couple of Gala schools.” Alison Haig said: “We have the same problem at my daughter’s school Drumlanrig Primary in Hawick. I think that parents are lazy and if they could park in the playground they would. Walk your children to school, it’s less hassle than trying to find a parking space.” Leslie Wright said: “If the parents are past being educated again, then there is not much hope for our future generation.” Claire Mcconnell said: “It’s a disgrace that we need the police at all. People should have more sense!” Andy Fox said: “Educate them? If they’re on a zig zag line book them. Lazy ****s.” Caroline Lothian said: “Children don’t always want to come straight out of school and jump into a car. They are quite happy to walk a little bit. The parking at schools is really a bad situation at the moment at many I think, and if it’s raining then you know it’s going to be a lot worse, because rain can hurt you know. Pahaha.

“People drive down to a standstill on the pavement and double yellow lines right outside the kids entrance. I teach my kids about road safety and they come out of school to that!” To read more comments, or to add your own, find us on Facebook or log on to our website: www.bordertelegraph.com