Parent pickup/drop-off lines cause issues in Delcambre

DELCAMBRE — Residents who live by Delcambre Elementary have had enough.
“We have a situation that has been going on for years,” Neely Saunier said as she addressed the board Monday night. “This year has been the worst, and it’s getting out of hand. We can’t even use our driveways.”
That was Saunier’s latest, and hopefully final, attempt to represent herself, as well as every resident on Saunier Drive, to have the parent pick-up lines monitored.
Exhausting every option before the council, Saunier has spoken to Delcambre Elementary Principal Jodi Romero, law enforcement, and even those who are blocking her driveway in an attempt to get a little common courtesy.
“The principal has done everything she could to remind these parents not to block or obstruct traffic during pick-up times,” Saunier said. “It’s just not working.”
Drivers picking up and dropping off students are sometimes using resident’s driveways to turn around and leaving these homeowners unable to access their driveway and, in turn, are blocking traffic.
“There are a select few who willingly move when we ask, but the majority usually give you colorful language and the middle finger, and all we are trying to do is get to work or go home,” said Saunier.
Saunier pointed out that there are a large number of residents who have serious medical conditions. Blocking traffic and/or driveways is a major concern since the responders may not be able to get to the person in need quick enough, or at all, in the event of a medical emergency, she added.
“Possibly having a head-on collision from a blocked view has also been an issue,” said Saunier, “I cannot tell you how many times this has almost happened to each of us here.”
After reaching out to the Police Department, Saunier noticed there had been units parked.
“We appreciate that effort,” she said. “But I think we need to start issuing tickets since nothing has changed. We can’t seem to get them to follow the law.”
Alderman Bryan Glatter did suggest the citations.
“Word of mouth is the best thing in this town, and issuing tickets could get the word out and get the point across,” he said. “These residents have had enough, and rightfully so, because so far right now, word of mouth is that you can do whatever you want.”
Another suggestion made by Saunier was to have an officer walk the pick-up line, ensuring that people follow the law or direct traffic.
In an to attempt to fix the issue independently, Delcambre Principal Jodi Romero doesn’t know what more she could do.
Once she called the School Board, her only options will cost money, and that is something that the School Board has.
“We could divide car rider lines, but before that could happen, I would need a pavilion on one side and a PA system, or, we could take away the backfield at the school, but we would need new drainage, cement, and rock,” Principal Romero said.
Both of those options cost money, and not only that, if the backfield were to be taken from the kids, they’d lose their favorite spot.
“Our last resort is to issue tickets,” the council agreed.
“Even if photos of the license plates are sent in, citations could be given,” Delcambre Police Officer Brady Segura said. “If that is what has to happen to fix the problem, that is what we will do.
Mayor Pam Blakely agreed that the issue is not minor.
“It’s not just something to complain about, and it’s not just a hassle,” said Blakely. “The first year, it was a hassle. Now, years later, these residents deserve the peace of mind when it comes to leaving for work or getting home, so yes, I think we need to call their bluff and start issuing tickets; it is against the law.”