Lewisham, Merton and Camden top list as motorists handed 400,000 School Street fines in a year

Across London, 398,745 fines were handed out in 2022, a 10% increase from 2021, according to an analysis by Churchill Motors.
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Motorists received nearly 400,000 fines for driving on School Streets in London last year – more than a thousand fines per day.

The School Streets scheme bans motorists from roads next to schools at specified times aroun pick-up and drop-off.

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A total of 398,745 fines were handed out, a 10% increase from 2021, according to an analysis by Churchill Motors.

On average, each London borough issued 15,336 School Street penalty charge notices (PCNs) in 2022, up from 13,906 in 2021.

Fines can be as high as £130 if drivers use School Streets during restricted times.

A spokesperson for mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: “Children should be able to breathe healthy air and walk or cycle safely when they travel to school.

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“School Streets are a key tool in helping to drive down toxic air pollution, congestion and road danger enabling children and young people to walk, scoot and cycle to school in a much safer environment.

“They are making a huge difference to our communities with more than half of London’s 5-11 year olds now walking to school.

“Thanks to boroughs and schools, there are now more than 500 School Streets in the capital and we know parents, children and councils are keen to introduce even more to help reduce school run traffic and build a greener London for everyone.”

Lewisham handed out the most fines in 2022 (37,393), followed by Merton (35,477) and Camden (33,708).

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Cllr Louise Krupski, Lewisham’s cabinet member for environment and climate action, said: “We are proud to have one of the highest percentages of School Streets of any London borough, helping to improve air quality and road safety for children in Lewisham.

“All of our School Streets are clearly signed, and local residents are informed when a new School Street is put in place.

“We do issue fines to the minority of drivers that ignore the restrictions in place.

“The money from any fines issued is reinvested back into transport and highways projects that benefit the local community.”

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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.”

There are approximately 400 permanent London School Streets, with another 136 being trialled - a potential 35% increase.

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