A new parking scheme, to ease congestion around Whitefriars Academy Primary school, is being hailed a success after its first month but more parents are being encouraged to make use of it.
The borough council has given the school a QR code that parents can scan at the payment machine at Boal Quay car park during school drop-off in the morning and pick-up in the afternoon. Once the code is scanned the machine issues a free parking ticket for half an hour.
63 different car registrations have used the QR code parking system since 4 November. 159 uses in the morning and 256 in the afternoon.
Mathew Tuckwood, Head Teacher of Whitefriars Church of England Primary Academy, said: “Boal Quay car park is only 165m away from the junior gate and the system has been well received by parents. It certainly makes the roads safer for those walking or cycling to school.”
Deborah Heneghan, Councillor for St Margarets and St Nicholas Ward where the school is based, who proposed the scheme said: “I am very glad I have been able to help the residents of Whitefriars Road and adjoining streets, who told me that some parents in cars were blocking the road and keeping their engines running.
“But understand the parents were in a bind. It is great that so many of them have taken advantage of the scheme, which benefits children too.”
Cllr Bal Anota, Cabinet Member for Events and Public Open Space, said: “Drop off and collection can be congested and difficult outside every school. I’m pleased to see, due to the close proximity of Boal Quay car park, that residents and parents around Whitefriars School are benefitting from this new system. It means that parents can park safely and walk the short distance to the Junior and Infant gates. The aim is to reduce congestion around those tight streets and hopefully improve air quality near the school.
Cllr Anota was also keen to highlight that one other King’s Lynn based school benefits from being a short walk from a borough council-owned car park: “I hope to see more Greyfriars School parents make use of The Walks car park in King’s Lynn. This car park offers 3 hours free parking to all. Parents and children only have to make a short walk through our beautiful park before they reach the school gate which is inside the park.
“These initiatives help towards the borough council key priorities of supporting our communities, protecting our environment and efficient delivery of our services.”
