Police have joined local authority staff on school parking patrols in a Kent borough after a car was ‘driven deliberately’ into a council officer.
Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council said it was one of a number of instances in which its staff had been verbally abused or physically assaulted by parents who had ignored parking restrictions.
The local authority said it was expanding its parking team to carry out more enforcement around schools, but said police support would still be required while staff continued to encounter ‘aggressive and violent behaviour’.
A council spokesperson said: ‘Parking restrictions around schools are there for a reason.
‘They help keep children and other pedestrians safe and ensure traffic can move freely at busy times.
‘Parents who think it’s ok to ignore the restrictions are putting themselves, their children and others at risk.’