Fife Police say that the volume of cars turning up at schools, particularly those in small villages, is huge — especially when they break up at 3 p.m.

While many parents think that taking their children to school in their cars is the safer option, they could actually be placing their children and others in more danger.

The warning comes after Tayport Community Council called on the police to take action to stop parents from parking outside the town's primary school.

This week is also national 'Walk to School' week, but that seems to be escaping the attention of many parents, particularly those in Tayport, where the situation has been described as particularly bad.

Sgt. Robert Gassner of Fife Police said the force had been made aware of "dangerous and indiscriminate parking of vehicles on double yellow lines" outside the school at the end of the day.

He said officers would now be stepping up visibility outside the school.

"A number of drivers have previously been warned and ticketed but are paying no heed," he said.

"Concerns are being voiced that the practice could present a danger to pupils who leave the school on foot."

Sgt. Gassner added that the matter is now being tackled by the police in association with the school which is currently displaying a banner depicting the selfish and dangerous nature of this type of behaviour.

He said the police were also looking at the situation at both Balmullo and Wormit primary schools.

"It is not that drivers tend to be breaking the law there, but parking is indiscriminate and there is a large volume of cars descending on a small area at very specific times," said Sgt. Gassner.

"We hope parents will pay heed to the warnings and think again about using their cars."

The new headteacher of Tayport Primary School, John Hughes, said the school would be taking a proactive approach in tackling the problem.

"We are looking at putting out information to parents warning them of the dangers of parking and also looking at concepts like 'walking buses' which promote walking and physical exercise," he said.