A whopping 400,000 fines for cars driving through “school streets” – don’t get caught

DRIVERS have been fined 400,000 for driving through ‘school streets’.

According to a report by Churchill Motor Insurance, London Boroughs could have raised up to £52m in revenue for the School Street initiative.

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The School Streets Initiative is imposing temporary restrictions on streets outside of schools to prevent motorists from using them during school drop-off and pick-up times.

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

The first School Street in London was launched in Camden in 2017.

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

In 2022 there were 400 permanent ‘school streets’ in London.

And another 136 school streets are being tested as part of consultations.

If these trials are successful and implemented, the number of permanent school streets in London could increase by 35% to 529.

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

However, some London Boroughs imposed significantly higher fines

Lewisham issued 37,393 fines to motorists for driving on its roads last year.

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

The PCN for driving on a school road at a restricted time can be as high as £130 in London.

While the penalty is halved if the defaulting driver pays within 14 days, it means London boroughs have imposed fines in 2022 that could potentially have totaled almost £52million.

Nicholas Coat, leader Churchill Auto Insurance, said: “School roads are a great way to protect children and create a healthier environment.

“However, the increasing popularity of the systems means it is now much easier for drivers to be caught off guard by new restrictions.

“We would encourage drivers to always check road signs carefully to ensure they are not facing expensive fines. If drivers are fined, they have 28 days to pay them or appeal to an independent court.”