400k fines handed out to drivers in ‘School Streets’ – don’t get caught out

DRIVERS have been hit with 400,000 fines for driving through ‘School Streets’.

According to a report from Churchill Motor Insurance, London Boroughs could have raked in up to £52million in revenue for the ‘School Street’ Initiative.

1

The School Streets Initiative imposes temporary restrictions on roads outside schools to stop motorists from driving on them at school drop-off and pick-up times.

School Streets are designed to protect children from traffic and reduce air pollution around schools. 

The first ‘School Street’ in London was introduced in Camden in 2017.

And since then, the popularity of the schemes has increased significantly.

In 2022, there were 400 permanent ‘School Streets’ in London.

And another 136 School Streets are being trialled as part of consultations.

If these trials are successful and implemented, there could be a 35% increase in permanent school streets in London, taking the total to 529.  

On average, each London borough issued 15,336 PCNs in 2022, up from 13,906 in 2021. 

However, some London Boroughs issued significantly more fines

Lewisham handed out 37,393 fines to motorists driving on these streets last year.

And the London Boroughs of Merton issued 35,477, followed by Merton with 33,708.

The PCN for driving on a school street at a restricted time can be up to £130 in London. 

While the penalty is halved if the offending driver pays within 14 days, this means that in 2022 London boroughs issued fines that could have potentially totalled nearly £52million. 

Nicholas Mantel, Head of Churchill motor insurance, said: “School streets are a great way to protect children and create a healthier environment.

“However, the surging popularity of the schemes means it’s now much easier for drivers to be caught out by new restrictions.

“We would encourage drivers to always check road signs carefully to ensure they avoid any expensive fines. If drivers do receive a fine, they have 28 days to pay it or appeal to an independent tribunal.”