Subscribe to trusted local news
In a time of both misinformation and too much information, quality journalism is more crucial than ever. By subscribing, you can help us get the story right.
- Subscription costs less than £1 a week with an annual plan.
Already a subscriber? Log in here.
05
Feb
Police report drivers for wilfully obstructing the highway outside Spofforth school
North Yorkshire Police has reported drivers for wilfully obstructing the highway outside Spofforth Church of England Primary School.
Officers returned to the village today (February 5) after catching nine people speeding on Sunday.
Police also issued seven traffic offence reports at the weekend and warned they would return “in the next couple of weeks” for similar checks.
They did so between 2.30pm and 3.45pm today, when officers monitored parking compliance near the school and conducted mobile speed checks on Castle Street.
In a statement, the force said nobody was caught speeding this time but added:
Several vehicles were reported for wilfully obstructing the highway and for parking within a junction. We appreciate that many vehicles are parked only briefly during school pick up times. However, parking in a manner that forces pedestrians — including children, wheelchair users, those with pushchairs, or individuals with guide dogs—into the roadway is unacceptable and poses a clear safety risk.
Parking availability may be limited at peak times, but safe alternatives do exist that do not involve blocking footpaths, kerbs, or junctions. An extra 30 second walk is a simple and responsible action that significantly improves safety for all.
Officers urged motorists to consider before parking whether a wheelchair, pushchair or guide dog could get past.
Police said villagers also raised concerns today about parking near the village shop, which is situated close to a mini roundabout. The statement said:
“We will continue to work collaboratively with the local council and the business owner to identify practical and sustainable solutions. In the meantime, we ask motorists to consider the wider impact of their parking in this area, ensuring that neither the dropped kerb nor the roundabout exit is obstructed.”
1