Police have warned parents to take extra care when parking outside schools after officers reported problems with vehicles blocking designated safety areas on the first day of the new school term.

Children across the Isle of Man returned to school on Thursday after five weeks off for Summer, with officers carrying out patrols at schools in various parts of the island.

The Isle of Man Constabulary said the majority of road users had understood its message and were taking care around schools, adding that it was ‘great to see all of the children excited to be back and see their friends’.

However, officers said one issue that arose was parking on the yellow zig-zag markings outside schools, which are clearly marked ‘KEEP CLEAR’.

Police stressed that the markings are there to ensure children arriving and leaving school can be seen by traffic, while also allowing children to see when it is safe to cross.

They said the areas were not intended to be used as drop-off or pick-up points.

The Constabulary highlighted the Highway Code guidance: ‘Keep entrance clear of stationary vehicles, even if picking up or setting down children.’

Officers also reported that a driver had received a ticket at another school after parking on a corner, at a junction and on double yellow lines before leaving the vehicle.

Police said patrols would continue over the next two weeks, with officers advising motorists where possible.

However, they warned that dangerous parking and speeding would result in enforcement action.

The Constabulary said the patrols were primarily aimed at educating road users and keeping people safe, but stressed that enforcement would be used where necessary to protect children during busy school drop-off and pick-up times.