A CAMPAIGN to stop drivers parking on zig-zag lines outside school gates has been launched.

Parents are being asked to sign charters saying they will not park on the "keep clear" zig-zags.

There could even be fines for those who continue to cause a problem.

Parents are being given car stickers with the message ``Stay off the Zig-Zags" to display in their vehicles.

Traffic wardens and police are visiting schools where there are problems to speak to parents and hand out the stickers.

Drivers will receive warnings, but those who continue to cause a problem could be fined for causing an obstruction.

Kirklees Council highways officials and West Yorkshire Police are working together on the clampdown.

Members of the public, head teachers and parents have all complained about road safety problems outside schools.

Kirklees road safety officer David Warburton said: "In the first place, we encourage parents to walk their children to school.

"Where that is not possible, we urge drivers to keep the zig-zags clear, so passing drivers can see children at the side of the road."

He said parents were asked to park away from the school and walk the last part of the journey with young children.

About 10 schools have so far joined the scheme - but officials estimate parking on zig-zags is a problem at 90% of schools.

The car stickers feature a character called Ziggy, which appeals to youngsters as well as their parents.

At schools where parking on zig-zags is a major problem, traffic orders can be brought in.

Official signs can then be put up banning drivers from parking on the zig-zags at certain times.

Kirklees is also considering whether to introduce standard warning signs to put up at other schools.

In the long term, it is also looking at transport schemes, such as bringing in more school buses.

Safety-conscious parents and grandparents are also wanted to fill a number of vacancies for lollipop patrols.

Kirklees has up to 19 vacancies, particularly in the Dalton, Birkby, Paddock, Holmfirth, Mirfield, Dewsbury and Batley areas.

Lollipop men and women are wanted to help children across the road in the morning and afternoon.

In return they will paid at a rate higher than the minimum wage.

For more information contact the School Crossing Patrol Service on 01484 221166.