ROAD safety bosses have launched a cartoon crackdown on problem parkers at a Borders school.

And if the colourful Karen and Gary cut-outs are successful they could be appearing around other primaries in the region.

The safety scheme was launched this week at Broomlands Primary School in Kelso with the primary's junior road safety officers Daisy, Elena and Emily alongside Scottish Borders Council’s Safer Routes to School Team.

The two cartoon characters - who have been named after the local authority's safety officers Gary Haldane and Karen McGrath - carry the messages, 'Think Before You Park' and 'Don’t Park on the Zig-Zag Lines'.

Safety officers hope the reminders will stop parents and carers illegally parking around the school gates.

Karen McGrath, from Scottish Borders Council’s Safer Route to School team, said: “We are delighted to work with Broomlands Primary School on the launch of this new scheme.

“We hope these bollards serve as a reminder to some of parents and carers to park responsibility when dropping off or picking up their children at the school.

"An even better alternative would be to encourage them to walk, cycle, scooter, walk and stride.”

The introduction of Gary and Karen has been welcomed by school staff and pupils at Broomlands.

Headteacher Michelle Matthews added: “We have a fantastic new school building here at Broomlands, but we have had some issues with parking.

“We are working closely with the council’s safer Routes to School team, and the parents and carers, to make sure the children can access thee school safely, and we are very pleased to trial this new scheme.”