Parents risk £70 fine during the school runs

Leasing Option’s Mike Thompson flags up common – and potentially costly – driving errors

Going back to school this week, parents need to be careful driving and parking, and not just to avoid a fine or penalty. 

Parking fines

Parking on yellow zig-zag “keep clear” markings directly outside the school gates can lead to an instant £70 fine.

The fine, also known as a penalty charge notice (PCN), is usually £70, but can be reduced to £35 if paid within 14 days.

While parking on double yellow lines is always prohibited, parents can be guilty of doing this if they are running late during the school run, this can also result in a £70 fine. 

However, it is worth researching your rights regarding a PCN fine, as factors such as the wrong signage, or recently changed road markings can be grounds for an appeal. 

Leaving engines running 

Leaving your engine running while parked outside of schools can lead to an on-the-spot £20 fine, issued under the Road Traffic (Vehicle Emissions Regulations 2002, and could rise to £40, if unpaid within the required timeframe. 

This comes as councils are under increasing pressure to crack down on environmental issues.

Many areas are also now operating School Streets, where roads are now closed to non-residents during drop-off and pick-up times. Driving through these zones when restrictions are in place can trigger fines of between £60-£130. 

Child seats

Parents can also risk a £100 fine and three penalty points if their child is not strapped into their child seat properly. Police occasionally carry out safety checks making sure children are in the appropriate seats but are more likely to do this around schools where families are more common. 

These fines demonstrate that the school run can quickly become expensive if rules are ignored, which is why councils recommend parking a short walk away from schools, and instead walking to the gates.
 
Mike Thompson is chief operating officer at Leasing Options