Parents risk on the spot £70 fine during school runs for the common driving error
For many families across the country, this week marks the first few days back to school, which means early morning starts and getting back into a routine with the school run. However, parents need to be careful, as they may be putting themselves at risk of receiving fines due to their poor driving habits.
Parents are being reminded of the importance of dropping off and picking up their kids safely, no matter how late they are. Mike Thompson, Chief Operating Officer at Leasing Options has warned of the fines parents are most vulnerable to.
Mike explains: “Going back to school this September, parents need to be careful driving and parking, and not just to avoid a fine or penalty.” One of the first school-run road rules to be aware of is very common outside school gates in the UK.
Mike has warned that parking on yellow zig-zag ‘keep clear’ markings directly outside the school gates can result in an instant £70 fine. The fine, also known as a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN), which is usually £70, can be reduced to £35 if paid within 14 days. The parking restriction is designed to ensure visibility for both drivers and children, and the area is enforced, often with camera surveillance.
He added: “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.”
Another road rule to be careful of is leaving the engine running while parked outside of schools. Mike says: “lt 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 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.”
The third rule parents need to be mindful of involves checking the inside of their car. Mike explains: “Parents can also risk a £100 fine and three penalty points if their child is not strapped into their child seat properly.”
He warns that police occasionally carry out safety checks to ensure children are in the appropriate seats. However, they 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 said.
