ZIGZAG markings outside Wiltshire schools are unenforceable because Wiltshire Council has failed to put up the correct signs after new legislation was brought in last month, a meeting heard.

The yellow road markings were put in place to deter drivers from parking outside school gates, especially at peak times, to improve safety for parents and pupils, but after the topic was raised at the Trowbridge Area Board about one school in particular, it was revealed that the county’s zigzags are unenforceable.

The Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 came into force on April 22, which means that local authorities must install signs near zigzag lines outside schools in order for a Traffic Regulation Order to be implemented by way of a fine or ticket.

Concerned resident Paul Jubbie told the meeting that the council needs to look at putting the signs up, at an estimated cost of £50 each, before an accident happens. He said: “The cost of the sign is nothing compared to a child’s life.”

Wiltshire Council has said that as the zigzags are only advisory, it does not have any plans to put up the signs as it would prevent school buses and stop-and-drop schemes from using the area.

A spokesman added: “Schools often have zigzag lines outside their school gates to deter motorists from parking right outside and compromising the safety of pupils.

“However, where the school itself may need to use the space for drop-off and pick-up of children, they are installed as advisory rather than regulatory markings.

“Each site is different and the use of advisory or regulatory markings is based on an assessment of risk at the site. All motorists are asked to avoid parking on the zigzag lines to ensure the safety of children and parents.”

If cars do park on the zigzag lines, Wiltshire Police said they can take action if it is causing an obstruction, but only if it has been reported and it is unnecessary or dangerous.