Hampshire County Council is stepping up efforts to ensure child safety with new road markings near two schools in Liphook.

The council has replaced a double yellow line on The Avenue with extended ‘school keep clear’ zig-zag lines, hoping to improve safety during school drop-off and pick-up times.

The changes, affecting areas near Liphook Junior and Infant Schools, were requested by the local county councillor, the parish council, and the schools themselves.

But not everyone is on board. Two residents have objected, including Dr Andy Earwaker, who believes the changes will only worsen the situation for residents.

Dr Earwaker said: “Avenue Close is flooded with vehicles at school pick-up and drop-off times.”

He added that cars already ignore the double yellow lines in front of and beside his private drive at the end of the cul-de-sac, with drivers often using his drive as a turning circle. Dr Earwaker also insisted that the movement of dozens of vehicles is damaging the road surface.

He is concerned that the new zig-zag lines “will simply push the problem into this small and already congested residential street.” For these reasons, he has strongly objected to Hampshire County Council’s proposed changes.

Despite these objections, the council has decided to proceed. The new zig-zag lines, along with ‘no stopping on school entrance’ markings, will be enforced from Monday to Friday, 8am to 10am and 2pm to 4pm, aiming to keep the area around the schools safer and more accessible for children.