DETAILS of motorists parking illegally outside schools in Thetford will be kept on a police database as part of a new initiative to increase child safety.

DETAILS of motorists parking illegally outside schools in Thetford will be kept on a police database as part of a new initiative to increase child safety.

Officers in the town have joined forces with schools to stop illegal parking in a bid to reduce the chance of a child being injured.

Parents, staff, and visitors to the schools can write the registration number, make model and colour of any car that is parked dangerously, without leaving their name.

The information is then e-mailed to the police where an officer will visit the owner who will be talked through parking, and given a warning.

Driver details will be kept on a police database and further action taken if they continue to park inconsiderately.

So far Admiral's Junior School and Raleigh Infant and Nursery School, both in Admiral's Way, Drake Infant and Nursery School, in Fairfields, and Abbey Junior School on Canterbury Way have signed up to the initiative.

Headteacher of Drake Infant School and Nursery, Mary Bartrop , said despite zig zag lines prohibiting parking outside the school, some parents still insisted on it.

“It's always a problem here because we're in a cul-de-sac so they just come up outside and stop,” she said. “We do a lot of work with the children and we're concerned there could be an accident. Some parents come in upset because there have been near misses and this way (through the name and shame scheme) they've got a way report it and have something done about it.

“In the longer term we're hoping to see a further improvement.”

Thetford Safer Neighbourhood Team has issued 27 warning notices where drivers have cooperated with advice given by officers.

Police will also be patrolling the schools at peak times.

Thetford PCSO Tara Grant, said: “Motorists who drop off and pick up children from primary and secondary schools across Thetford have been advised to park legally.

“The name and shame scheme has been working well in Thetford and we hope that more schools will sign up to the campaign.

“We launched the initiative as both parents and teachers raised inconsiderate parking outside schools as an issue. The scheme endeavours to prevent any accidents occurring outside the school premises.”

To contact the Thetford Safer Neighbourhood Team call 0845 456 4567.