MOTORISTS were today accused of putting children's lives at risk, by parking on the pavement outside their school and forcing them to walk in the road.

People living near Acomb Primary School said they too are being put in danger, and they want council bosses to introduce parking restrictions.

The cars parking on the pavement seem to belong to some nearby residents and also to parents dropping off and picking up at the school.

A blind bend at the top of West Bank currently has no yellow lines, and cars are often parked up on the pavement on both sides of the road. Residents say yellow lines should be introduced to improve safety.

Liz Edge, an Acomb resident and former City of York councillor, said the situation was a "disaster waiting to happen".

She said: "It's absolutely dangerous. Parents with children have to walk in the middle of the road. The cars are there all day."

She said many of the vehicles belonged to residents in nearby flats.

Ms Edge said when she was on the council, there were plans in place for yellow lines to be extended along West Bank, but nothing had been done.

Stephen McMullan, the school's head teacher, said: "The safety of our children is our major concern and we are anxious to work alongside residents to ensure this.

"Like every school, there are times at the start and end of the school day when the increase in traffic can create difficulties for those who live nearby, and we do our best to encourage parents and carers to park considerately.

"Clearly we hope that those who live locally will consider the impact of their driving and parking on the children."

One parent, who did not want to be named, said there was also a problem in the school car park, with people parking outside the designated areas.

She said: "The head teacher has sent numerous letters out to parents asking them not to park on the double yellow lines in the car park - a circle with a middle circle grassed over, around which are painted yellow lines - or further up the road where there are also yellow lines.

She said the parents either couldn't read or were just plain lazy and ignorant and always parked there.

"It drives me mad, as children and parents have to step out into the road with obscured vision, or cars correctly parked on the outer edge of the car park can't get out properly."

A City of York Council spokeswoman, said: "We are aware of concerns about parking around Acomb Primary School and the project is scheduled for the forthcoming year 2006/07."

She said the project would see yellow lines extended up West Bank towards its junction with Acomb Road.

Updated: 09:43 Thursday, March 02, 2006