More than 10 million children across the UK are heading back to school this autumn, and driving experts are warning parents that a rushed school run could lead to fines totalling £710. In the scramble to drop off and collect children on time, it’s easy to break rules that many drivers don’t even realise are in place.
Car leasing experts at Nationwide Vehicle Contracts have rounded up the most common school-run driving offences and the penalties attached to them.
The five offences to watch for back to school driving
Stopping on yellow zig-zag lines can lead to a fine of up to £160. These markings keep visibility clear for children crossing the road, and many councils use CCTV to catch drivers who stop even briefly.
Blocking a resident’s driveway, particularly by parking across a dropped kerb, can result in a Penalty Charge Notice. This typically costs £70 outside London, rising to £130 in the capital.
Entering a School Street during restricted hours is another common trap. These schemes limit traffic near schools at drop-off and pick-up times, and driving through without an exemption can bring a fine of £130 to £160.
Stopping at a restricted bus stop or bus stop clearway can also lead to a PCN, with fines of £70 outside London and up to £130 in London.
Making an illegal U-turn near a school, often in an attempt to save time, can result in a £70 to £130 fine. In some cases, police deal with the offence directly, issuing a £100 fixed penalty and three points on the driver’s licence.
Keith Hawes, Director of Nationwide Vehicle Contracts, said parents can find the school run one of the most stressful parts of the day, and a momentary lapse in judgement, such as stopping on zig-zag lines or making a prohibited U-turn, can lead to a substantial fine. He added that taking a few extra minutes to find a safe, legal place to stop helps parents avoid an unexpected penalty and keeps the school run safer for everyone.
