Two Rocks PS parking stoush stalled

PARKING availability at Two Rocks Primary School compares favourably to other schools, the Education Department says, despite parents’ concerns.

Responding to questions from the Times, the department said the school had 100 on-site parking bays and 23 roadside bays.

The response said the total number of bays compared “favourably with other schools” and that the department was aware of verbal complaints and one written complaint about parking made to the school this year.

Father-of-two Shaun Martin received a parking fine from the City of Wanneroo for parking on the verge outside the school in July.

Mr Martin said there was not enough parking for all parents, with 463 students attending the school this year.

“They have kerbed areas. I have a four-wheel-drive, so I parked up there,” he said.

“It leaves more space for other parents.”

Principal Elizabeth Wildish said she had discussed with the City of Wanneroo the possibility of installing a ‘kiss and drive’ area.

“I have been advised that this option will only be possible when the road network around our school is complete,” she said.

“I appreciate that traffic can get busy around the school, especially after school when families make use of our facilities and catch up with friends.

“However, I would urge parents to use the nearby parking bays provided, rather than park illegally and risk being fined.

“If possible, families who live in the area may like to consider walking to school when they can.

“In the meantime, we will continue to include regular reminders about road safety and parking in the school newsletter.”

The City’s community and place director Debbie Terelinck said the Education Department was responsible for providing adequate parking, which it based on enrolments at schools.

“Although the City of Wanneroo assists by providing on-street parking, the City’s primary concern is to provide a safe road environment for all road users, which involves the installation of parking prohibitions around schools,” she said.

“At Two Rocks Primary School, stopping is prohibited on the school side of Resolute Drive (except in marked bays) and opposite the school to the east and on the bend.

“This ensures that vehicles have adequate sight distance and that children crossing Resolute Drive are not obscured from view by parked vehicles.”

Mrs Terelinck said the City had issued nine parking infringements around the school so far in 2017, and received one complaint this year, plus two last year.

“Parking compliance officers and rangers enforce the restrictions, and periodically conduct education in relation to parking with the school,” she said.

“Officers also provide brochures and make requests to the school to place relevant information in newsletters.”

Mrs Terelinck said other options to get children to and from school included walking or cycling, arriving before peak times, parking in legal bays farther away or using ‘kiss and drive’ facilities.

Mr Martin said walking to school was not a safer option as some streets nearby did not have paths.

“The kids have to walk either on the roads or along people’s verges,” he said.

Mr Martin said he had to park his car and walk with his three-year-old daughter for drop-offs and pick-ups, as did other parents with children in early years.

Mrs Terelinck said the City’s pathways policy had not identified any current upgrade projects near the school.

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