“Rude” parents have been slammed for “treating people’s drives as their own private parking spaces” during the school rush.

Cars apparently belonging to parents dropping children off at The Grove Academy in Fourth Avenue, Watford, have been photographed blocking residents' cars from getting out and ignoring yellow lines.

A child at another school was reportedly “left in tears” because their own parents couldn't get their car out of the drive.

Watford Observer: Fourth Avenue parkingFourth Avenue parking (Image: Ursula Robinson)

The school’s neighbours have also complained over safety fears and parents being rude when asked to move.

Ursula Robinson, who lives in Fourth Avenue, said: “We've had nothing but trouble. People have a right and a need to access their drives and yellow lines are there for road safety.

“Pretty much all neighbours have been verbally abused at some point, but the parking on the yellow lines on the corner is the real safety issue.

“There’s nowhere for cars to move out of each other’s way and the road becomes locked up, and there is nowhere safe for the children to cross.”

When she posted about the issue on Facebook other neighbours echoed her concerns.

One described the situation as “an accident waiting to happen”, while another said they have had “endless problems”. 

Many added that approaching parents to ask them to move either results in “rudeness” or being told things like “oh but we'll only be five minutes”.

Watford Observer: Fourth Avenue parkingFourth Avenue parking (Image: Ursula Robinson)

Liberal Democrat county councillor Steve Cavinder said he is aware of the issue.

He added: “Watford Borough Council has agreed to increase the presence of their enforcement team from this week which I’m hopeful will help as a short-term measure.

“In the meantime, I continue to work with the school and with officers at Watford Borough Council, to find a long term resolution.”

The school says it has been using newsletters and its website to “appeal for considerate and responsible driving behaviour” including parking further away or not using a car where possible.

Aspire Academies Trust executive Principal Lyndon Evans said: “We all agree that it is wholly inappropriate for residents to have their driveways blocked or to be spoken to in a rude or aggressive manner.”

He added that the school hopes for improvement in the coming days and weeks and that safety is the top priority.