TAXI drivers have come under fire for parking on zig-zag lines outside a Worcester school – leading to claims “children’s lives are being put at risk”.

This picture – highlighting just one of many examples – shows how cabbies are waiting outside Stanley Road Primary School, off Wyld’s Lane, directly on the warning lines which advise motorists to steer clear.

Community leaders say they see the taxis do it “on a daily basis”, and have attacked them for endangering pupils and parents.

The picture, taken by a nearby resident who wants to remain anonymous, has also led to a fresh plea from the school’s headteacher for an end to it.

Councillor Jabba Riaz, who represents the area, said: “A lot of these drivers are actually parents themselves who are waiting for their own children.

“They should know better – not only are they putting children’s lives at risk, they are putting their own children’s lives at risk. It’s a silly thing to do, they’ve got a moral responsibility to stop it.

“I know it’s a cliche to say, ‘It’s only a matter of time’ before someone gets hurt, but you see it on a daily basis. I’ve spotted all sorts of drivers on these lines, but professional taxi drivers have got their reputation on the line – they’ve got a code of conduct.” Worcestershire County Council said the lines are advisory, but they want motorists to take it seriously. If any of the drivers are deemed to be causing an obstruction, under highways legislation the police could ask them to move on. The school has asked drivers to avoid the zig-zags, with headteacher Anne Potter saying she is concerned about “everyone’s safety”.

“It’s been going on for a long time. Children have done their best to help, they’ve even put posters up about it,” she said.

“I have gone outside to speak to them and you often get ‘I’ll only be here for a minute’. Some of them ought to be prepared to park a little further away and walk, for everyone’s safety – it’s a problem which does concern us.” The county council has put up flashing signs down the road asking drivers to slow down at drop-off and collection times.