FEARS that school children could be hurt on a busy road in Fairford have prompted the council to take action.

The usually quiet stretch of Leafield Road leading to Farmor’s School and Fairford Primary becomes heavily congested at the start and the end of the school day, especially when pupils finish at the same time three days a week.

Fairford resident Chris Roberts said it is dangerous for pupils as vehicles block the road, making it difficult for them to see oncoming traffic.

“Cars were parked on the keep clear signs where children cross,” she said, after visiting the road.

“Cars were parked all the way down Leafield Road which restricts it to one carriageway. I know people can get frustrated, I understand, but it’s mayhem.”

Mrs Roberts said school buses are often forced to drive on the pavement, inches away from children walking home, just so they can get past the line of parked cars.

She has reported the matter to Gloucestershire police and officers have been to the location several times to assess the situation, but a spokesman said no offences were recorded.

Mrs Roberts claims this is down to drivers noticing the police being there and therefore being on their "best behaviour".

Headteacher at Farmor’s School, Matthew Evans, said part of the problem was that Fairford Primary has only a small drop-off point with a handful of spaces, whereas his school has big car park and roundabout for drivers to turn around in.

“We allow parents of primary school pupils to park in our car park in the morning and this has worked really well,” said Mr Evans. “I know the school has had lots of discussions with Highways to try and resolve this.”

Headteacher at Fairford Primary, Julie Fellows, said the traffic problems were a situation which had been ongoing for years.

Gloucestershire Highways will meet staff from both schools this week.