Parents risk £70 fine for these common mistakes during school runs

Some parents will no doubt be rejoicing at the return of the academic year as kids up and down the country go back to school after a six-week break.

For many, this will also mark the return of the dreaded school run, a mad dash to get your child to the gates in time to avoid a telling off for both them and yourself.

Yet this morning rush can see motorists forgo the standard rules of the road and land themselves with a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN). It is usually £70 but can be reduced to £35 if paid within 14 days - and there could be points on your licence as well.

Mike Thompson, Chief Operating Officer of car and van leasing specialists Leasing Options, has warned drivers that the return of the school year could hit their bank accounts.

“Going back to school this September, parents need to be careful driving and parking, and not just to avoid a fine or penalty," Mike explained, pointing out some common mistakes parents make on the road.

“Leaving your engine running while parked outside of schools can lead to an on-the-spot £20 fine 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."

School Streets aim to tackle air pollution, poor health and road traffic incidents, particularly involving children, as local authorities use traffic management orders to turn a street into a pedestrian and cycle zone.

Driving through these zones when restrictions are in place can trigger fines of between £60-£130.

Perhaps a more common blunder spotted out on the road, and not just during the school run, is parking on yellow zig-zag 'keep clear' markings.

These are usually found directly outside the school gates and can lead to an instant Penalty Charge Notice of £70, reduced to £35 if paid within two weeks.

"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," Mike said.

"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 offence potentially committed when rushing to get the kids into the car and off to school can relate to their child seats, according to the leasing expert.

“Parents can also risk a £100 fine and three penalty points if their child is not strapped into their child seat properly," he said.

"Police occasionally carry out safety checks, making sure children are in the appropriate seats, but 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.”