DANGEROUS parking outside Darwen primary schools could cause a child to get injured – that is the message from police in a new campaign.

Banners displaying the message ‘What will it take to stop you parking here? A warning? A fine? An injured child?’ will be put outside schools across the town as part of a police safety drive.

The action comes after concerns were raised to the neighbourhood policing team about parents parking on double yellow and zigzag lines outside St Joseph’s Primary School in Limes Avenue.

Police are carrying out additional patrols to target drivers who put people’s safety at risk and are urging anyone with information to contact them.

PCSO Danielle Derbyshire said: “These restrictions are there for a good reason and drivers who park on them are putting children and other pedestrians in danger.

“The message is particularly important now the darker nights are upon us.

“We will be working with the schools and will be speaking to parents about the dangers.

“I urge motorists to be more considerate when dropping their children off of picking them up from school.”

St Joseph’s headteacher Anne O’Brien said: “It’s absolutely wonderful that the police have decided to produce these banners.

“The police have been supportive of the problems we have had for a number of years.

“The school is on a tricky bend but it is vital that the school, police and parents work together to keep the children safe.

“The situation has improved with the help of the police.

However, there are still parents who park inconsiderately.

“It is fantastic that other schools in the town will also benefit from the banners, as this is a problem that is common during school drop-off and pick-up times.” Anyone wishing to report drivers for parking on zigzag or double yellow lines can contact police on 101.