Trafford Council is stepping up enforcement of parking restrictions around schools to help children and families travel safely and cut traffic congestion.
A camera car, with automatic number plate recognition, is out and about this autumn – and fines of £70 will be issued to people who are spotted pulling in or parking on ‘School Keep Clear’ road markings at drop-off and pick-up times.
Yellow zig zag lines painted on roads near school entrances indicate areas where parking and stopping are not allowed during specific times. Their purpose is to keep these zones clear of vehicles, ensuring better visibility and safer crossing points.
The campaign will include roads outside several schools will continue until Christmas. It is part of the Council’s ongoing commitment to improving safety and active travel. It also coincides with National Road Safety Week next month.
To encourage considerate driving and give people every chance to avoid a fine, families will get advance warning of the crackdown via schools’ social media and messaging systems, and extra signs will be installed.
Patrols by civil enforcement officers on foot and by bicycle will continue as usual in Trafford.
Parking or stopping on ‘School Keep Clear’ zones is prohibited and may result in a Penalty Charge Notice of £70, which may be reduced to £35 if paid within 14 days. If a PCN is issued, drivers can appeal the decision.
A spokesperson for Trafford Council said:
“Enforcement will help keep these areas clear, reduce the risk of accidents and support healthier, more active lifestyles.
“Parked or stopped vehicles near schools can create blind spots and traffic congestion, increasing the risk of accidents. Vehicles blocking these areas make it difficult for children, parents, and school staff to cross the road safely.
“It can also lead to unsafe behaviours like crossing the road between parked cars. When the new signs are in place, we anticipate the car will be outside schools after the October half term.”