SCHOOL run drivers are facing a crackdown from the start of this term.

Bournemouth council has introduced new restrictions on four school roads and two new dedicated parking wardens will target dangerous parking from this week.

Poole council has new two new "school zones" to manage parking and Christchurch council is developing a campaign with every school in town.

"Unfortunately, illegal parking outside schools is common but is something we will not tolerate," said Robert Lawton, Bourne-mouth's cabinet member for transport.

The crackdown comes after the Echo's Parking Mad campaign saw photographers and reporters document illegal parking.

Inspector Neal McBean, whose remit covers one of the worst affected schools, St Michael's Primary, said: "Parents are well aware of this issue - it's been in the public domain big time, and that's something to build on."

A spokesman for Christchurch council said it planned to contact all the schools in the area to create a proper parking plan. "In the past we have done work with the police when the issue has arisen. What we want to do now is more of a campaign," the council said.

Alan Griffiths, leader of Christchurch council, said: "The ideal thing would be to avoid the rush for parking outside schools and get children walking."

Poole council completed two school zones to manage parking and speed at Poole Grammar and St Mary's School over the summer. Similar schemes are planned for Merley First, Stanley Green, Courthill First, and Old Town First Schools. Wardens will visit each at least once a month, as they do with existing school zones.

Bournemouth council has put in restrictions for the new school year at Holloway Avenue, Holdenhurst Avenue, School Lane, and St Catherine's Road, with work in progress at Knole Road and St Clements Gardens. Transport manager James Duncan said: "It's too early to tell, but we are confident that, provided motorists do not park their cars in inappropriate places, the safety of Bournemouth's school children will be noticeably enhanced."

He added: "All other schools will follow as resources permit, concentrating on those where there have been problems in the past; St Michaels is the next."

Chf Insp Pete Windle from Dorset Police said the force would respond to any requests for help but had no specific plan in place for the new school year.