Traffic, parking chaos around Stoney Creek elementary school raising concerns

Parents dropping off their children at Eastdale elementary school in Stoney Creek say the situation there is chaotic and dangerous.

Residents are raising concerns about buses having to squeeze by illegally parked cars and drivers often stop their vehicles in the bus loading zone.

There are no crossing guards near the school and parents say they have complained to the city but nothing has been done. One parent says they’ve called police but were told it’s a by-law matter. The by-law office was called and parents were told an officer would be sent down on Wednesday. Parents say no one came and nothing was changed.

The Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board says the area around the school is the city’s responsibility and admits that traffic and parking are issues.

Superintendent of Student Achievement, Estella Jones, says the school board will be calling by-law. But, that doesn’t mean officers will show up at the right times like during drop-off and pick-up when it’s busy.

The parents fear that the morning chaos could cause a tragedy.

Councillor Maria Pearson says parking is an issue at many schools and she doesn’t have any stats on fines being handed out at Eastdale. She also said she was unaware there was no crossing guard for the school but says the city does face a crossing guard shortage.