POLICE are to launch a plain-clothed operation on Monday to target inconsiderable and dangerous parking in and around schools in Whitefield and Unsworth.

And the officer spear-heading the clampdown has warned that they will photograph offending drivers and vehicles with a view to prosecution.

The crackdown comes amid reports that many headteachers across the borough are fed up with motorists causing danger and mayhem outside their schools — ignoring parking restrictions.

It also follows on from the recent policing operation in Prestwich which focused on parents flouting parking regulations outside a number of schools.

Last month, Bury Council leader Cllr Mike Connolly said the local authority would look at the viability of a “spy” car being used to catch drivers who put lives at risk by parking illegally at school gates.

PC Richard Garland, who is overseeing the new operation, said: “I am one of the area officers covering Whitefield and Unsworth and have received an increase in complaints regarding inconsiderate and dangerous parking around Whitefield and Unsworth schools — particularly at going home time.

“Complaints revolve around parking on the hazard markings outside the schools and parking obstructing people’s driveways.

“Invariably, if a police patrol makes it through the congestion around the schools, the offending drivers are quick to move off.

“On the occasions I have been out and managed to run up to the car to issue a ticket, I have been heartened by the number of other parents who abhor the inconsiderate parking and cheer when tickets are issued.”

Starting on Monday, and running through until Christmas, the operation will target offending drivers at up to nine schools throughout Whitefield and Unsworth.

PC Garland stressed: “This is being done in the interests of road safety, especially with the long winter nights upon us and also with a view to changing the mindset that it is all right to park there as long as you move off when a police car drives past.”

On the plain-clothed method of tackling the issue, he added: “We are adopting a new approach and this is a new way of trying to hammer home the message.”