BARRY pupils run the risk of injury or worse every time they go to school.

The danger has been highlighted by an accident that happened just before the Christmas break when a girl from Cadoxton Junior school was hit by a car on her way home at the end of the day.

Although she was not injured, Vale of Glamorgan MP John Smith thinks it is only a matter of time and is hitting out at drivers who put children at risk.

He went to see the head teacher of Cadoxton school, Chris Myers, to discuss the problems of drivers endangering children's lives by parking in restricted zones.

The MP told the News: "Parking outside the gates of a school could cost a child their life.

"We all know that when children come out of class at home time, they can forget to look and run across the road.

"If cars are parked directly in front of the school on the 'No Parking' signs, other drivers' visibility is hampered, making an accident far more likely."

A Vale of Glamorgan spokesman said: "It is irresponsible parking so near the schools.

Drivers ignore signs, and I have seen all kinds of traffic violations - I have even seen one mother pull off the road and drive all four wheels on the pavement.

"It is an enforcement issue, but the police cannot be outside all the schools all the time.

"As more pupils are driven to school, the situation is made worse with a greater number of cars.

"And it means children lose the basic road sense they were given by parents when they walked.

"Until we can find a solution to this Vale-wide problem of irresponsible parking, we will concentrate on keeping the children as aware of road dangers as possible."