Residents living near two Batley schools say they are “fed up” with dangerous and inconsiderate parking that regularly clogs a key commuter route during school pick-up times.
Windmill Lane serves as the main access road to both Batley Girls High School and Windmill Primary School, which sit less than a two-minute walk apart. But locals claim the daily rush of parents collecting children is creating serious disruption and safety concerns.
Ian Martin, 56, who lives opposite Batley Girls’ High School, said the situation is particularly difficult in the afternoons. “It’s not too bad in the mornings, but in the afternoon it’s especially difficult,” he said. “People are parking from around 2pm just to get a space. My carers sometimes can’t park outside my house, which is really frustrating. We are all fed up.”
Neighbour Jeff Knowles, 76, described the situation as “disgusting” and said he had repeatedly been forced to ask drivers to move from a disabled parking bay used by his wife. “The council occasionally sends traffic wardens, but they only come round every so often, so people don’t take them seriously,” he said.
Jeff, who has lived on the road for 12 years, believes the problem has steadily worsened. “It’s really hard to park, particularly because so many pupils travel in from outside the area. There are always loads of cars.”
The issue has now been taken up by Conservative councillors, who are set to present a motion at the next full council meeting on July 15 calling for action against dangerous parking hotspots across Kirklees.
Cllr Joshua Sheard, who is leading the motion, said he was “sick” of seeing dangerous and selfish parking becoming commonplace. “Every day we’re seeing cars dumped on pavements, parked on school zig-zags, blocking pedestrian crossings, obstructing driveways and causing chaos outside our schools,” he said.
The motion calls on Kirklees Council to consider measures including tougher enforcement, greater use of cameras in problem areas and stronger protections for pedestrians and school crossing patrol staff.
“The excuses are always the same – ‘I’ll only be two minutes’ – but those two minutes could cost a child their life,” Cllr Sheard said.
“The rules exist to protect people, and if they’re not enforced, they become meaningless. This isn’t an attack on motorists. It’s about standing up for the law-abiding majority who are fed up with seeing the same dangerous behaviour day after day.”
Kirklees Council said it was aware of concerns and had already taken steps to address the issue.
David Shepherd, Executive Director for Place, said: “We’re sorry to hear about the issues some residents have experienced on Windmill Lane due to parking at peak times.
“Council officers have been along to speak with drivers about safe parking, especially at busy drop-off and pick-up times, and will enforce fixed penalty notices where appropriate.
“Road safety is our priority, and we’re committed to our Vision Zero pledge of making our roads safer. Officers continue to work with schools, children and parents across Kirklees, delivering educational sessions on road safety, promoting responsible behaviours, and highlighting different travel options such as walking, wheeling and cycling.”
