£10k-a-year prep school threatens to name and shame parents parking 'illegally and dangerously' if residents send photographic evidence

By ELEANOR HARDING, EDUCATION EDITOR Published: 10:55, 18 May 2026 | Updated: 10:59, 18 May 2026 A private school has vowed to name and shame parents who park 'illegally and dangerously' after complaints from neighbours. Carleton House Preparatory School in Liverpool plans to list parents' names in its newsletter if witnesses send in photographic evidence. The £10,000-a-year school resorted to the measure after a 'minority' of parents caused 'real upset' when driving to do drop-offs at the gates, according to councillors. One parent is reportedly already being exposed in the latest newsletter for driving down the pavement. Sandy Coleman, head teacher, said she took 'concerns' about road safety 'extremely seriously' following complaints from parents and residents. Pensioner Jane Hughes told the Liverpool Echo: 'They [parents] park all over the pavements. The cars are so big you can hardly see over them. 'It's dreadful. Sometimes it's gridlock. People are having to walk into the road. It's got worse recently, and they come at all funny hours. We really need double-yellow lines. It's not on. It's not safe.' Another resident near school said: 'They park all over the pavements in huge cars. I wonder how many of the journeys are really necessary, and whether alternative transport could be used.'  A private school has vowed to name and shame parents who park 'illegally and dangerously' after complaints from neighbours (pictured: Sandy Coleman, head teacher of Carleton House Preparatory School) Carleton House Preparatory School in Liverpool (pictured) plans to list parents' names in its newsletter if witnesses send in photographic evidence. The £10,000-a-year school resorted to the measure after a 'minority' of parents caused 'real upset' when driving to do drop-offs at the gates, according to councillors Mrs Coleman said she took 'concerns' about road safety 'extremely seriously' following complaints from parents and residents.  The name-and-shame scheme was revealed by Liz Makinson, a Liberal Democrat councillor for Liverpool City Council, who said dangerous parking near the school had become a major issue for residents. She said: 'The vast majority of parents are doing the right and courteous thing, but a small minority are causing real upset.  'Some drivers are giving people a mouthful of abuse if they're challenged, including older residents at Crompton Court. 'Mrs Coleman has been incredibly supportive and is really engaging with this minority of parents. She's encouraging parents to send in photos of bad parking, and is naming and shaming those parents in the school newsletter. 'One parent who was caught driving down the pavement is being named and shamed in the newsletter.' Cllr Makinson said that parking wardens have attended the school two or three times in recent weeks. She added: 'Ultimately, the thing everyone is worried about is one of the children being hurt.' In a statement, Mrs Coleman said: 'Carleton House Preparatory School takes all concerns regarding parking and road safety extremely seriously. 'We continually seek to encourage safe and considerate parking and are committed to working positively with our parents, neighbours, local councillors and local road traffic enforcement teams to improve safety around our school at busy times. We have communicated clear expectations to families regarding safe and responsible parking and continue to encourage the use of alternative parking options nearby. 'The safety of our children, families and local residents remains our utmost priority, and we value the strong relationship we have with our local community.' The Catholic school, for pupils aged three to 11, was founded in 1974 and has some of the best Sats results in the area. Its motto is 'They can because they think they can', in a reflection of the aspirations it aims to instil in pupils. Councillor Dan Barrington, Cabinet Member for Transport and Connectivity said: 'Making sure our roads are safe for all road users, whether they're driving, walking or wheeling is a priority for the Council. That's why we've increased the number of parking wardens working across the entire city who will respond when cars are found to be parked illegally or dangerously.' No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. 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