CALLS for urgent action have been made to stop children’s lives being put at risk by HGVs driving past two primary schools.

Councillor Angela Raine, a member of Ryedale District Council, said she had been approached by parents and residents in Highfield Road, Malton, following concerns that lorries are continuing to use the route past Malton Primary and St Mary’s RC while children are arriving and leaving school.

Last October an experimental HGV ban was introduced outside the two primary schools following concerns over pupils’ safety. Lorries have been diverted along Highfield Road following the implication of the weight limit across the railway line. The 18-month restriction prohibits HGVs using Highfield Road, between 8.30am to 9am and 2.45pm to 3.45pm.

Cllr Raine said: “Without question there needs to be two fully access points on the bypass to allow HGVs to be able to go direct to the industrial estates without going along Highfield Road. This has to be priority; it is ludicrous that it’s acceptable that HGVs are flouting the law.

“It’s obviously made difficult due to the air pollution situation but we need to stop putting children’s lives at risk. I am totally exasperated and worried sick that this grave situation is being ignored.”

Mandy Carpenter, Leader for Transition, at Malton Primary School, said she had been monitoring the situation and taking details of lorries breaching the regulations.

“Something needs doing as it is an accident waiting to happen. When a child has been killed it will be too late. The safety of residents, children and parents is paramount.”

Jo Boutflower, Head of Business and Consumer Services, said: “We are aware that some drivers are breaching the Order and those offending drivers risk prosecution.There are some exemptions, including for deliveries and access, so not all HGV and agricultural vehicles are prohibited by the Order and residents should be aware that a limited number of vehicles are still permitted to use those roads even during the restricted hours.”