Moreton Bay College parents, students angry over student parking restrictions

Parents and students at a prestigious Brisbane school are fuming over new restrictions on P-plate drivers, describing the situation as “complete madness”.

Anger at Moreton Bay College as students who drive to school face restricted parking. Photo: FILE

Parents and students at a prestigious Brisbane school are fuming over new restrictions on P-plate drivers, describing the restrictions as “complete madness”.

Moreton Bay College has told students they can no longer park on campus and they’ve been discouraged from driving to and from school.

The directives, in place from Wednesday when classes resume at the Uniting Church girls’ school in Manly West, have angered many families who say they are unfair and unreasonable.

“There are plenty of options for parking and driving is a rite of passage for young people, but the school is refusing to budge,” one mother told The Courier-Mail.

“It is complete madness,” said another. “We have realigned our family’s transport arrangements for this year around finally having a student driver; this will be a huge inconvenience and is unacceptable given the campus is so large.”

One parent said her daughter had no choice but to drive to school.

Moreton Bay College wrote to families on Sunday, advising that parking for students was no longer permitted due to building works that began over the holidays.

In an email, seen by The Courier-Mail, deputy head Michelle McKersey said P-plate drivers were also not allowed to park in the Uniting Church car park adjacent to the college.

“Due to the limited parking available around the perimeter of the college campus and in the interests of safety, students who are P-plate drivers are discouraged from driving to school,” Mrs McKersey said.

The school first informed students of the impending restrictions in June last year.

Many parents have been lobbying to have them overturned but claim the school has not provided parking alternatives or been willing to discuss the matter further.

The Courier-Mail understands P-platers were also told not to park in neighbouring streets or the nearby Bunnings lot.

“This is unacceptable for girls who’ve watched others do it for 12 years then to be denied at the last minute – the decision needs reversing,” one father said.

“The girls are so disappointed and upset.”

Another parent said it was “a real shame”. “My daughter has been there since prep and it’s a rite of passage and increased freedom, independence and responsibility as a Year 12 student.

“I understand the school has to accommodate construction requirements but surely there is an alternative.”

One mother said the school had “a duty of care to continue to offer Year 12s safe and adequate parking on site as it’s always done”.

Moreton Bay College has been contacted for comment.

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Originally published as Moreton Bay College parents, students angry over student parking restrictions