London motorists hit with over 398,000 school street fines

• Motorists received 398,745 fines for driving on School Streets in London last year – a 10 per cent increase from 2021
• London motorists face fines of up to £130 for driving on school streets at restricted times
• There are approximately 400 permanent London School Streets, with another 136 being trialled – a potential 35 per cent increase
• On average each London Borough issued 15,336 School Street Penalty Charge Notices in 2022, up from 13,906 in 2021
• London Boroughs of Lewisham, Merton, and Camden issued the most fines for driving on school streets  

London motorists received 398,745 Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) for driving on School Streets in 2022, according to new research¹ from Churchill Motor Insurance. This is equivalent to 1,092 fines per day. The number of PCNs issued by London Boroughs increased by 37,184 (10 per cent) from 2021.

The School Streets Initiative imposes temporary restrictions on roads outside schools to stop motorists from driving on them at school drop-off and pick-up times. The restrictions apply to school traffic and through traffic. School Streets are designed to protect children from traffic and reduce air pollution around schools.

The first School Street in London was introduced in Camden in 2017.² Since then, the popularity of the schemes has increased significantly. In 2022, there were approximately 400 permanent School Streets in London. Another 136 School Streets are being trialled as part of consultations. If these trials are successful and implemented, there could be a 35 per cent increase in permanent school streets in London, taking the total to 529.

On average each London Borough issued 15,336 PCNs in 2022, up from 13,906 in 2021. However, some London Boroughs issued significantly more fines. Lewisham issued 37,393 fines to motorists driving on these streets last year - also the highest total for any Borough. Lewisham had 45 permanent School Streets in 2022, with another 4 being trailed – the most of any Borough.  The London Boroughs of Merton and Camden issued the second and third most School Street Penalty Charge Notices – at 35,477 and 33,708 respectively.

The PCN for driving on a School Street at a restricted time can be up to £130 in London. Whilst the penalty is halved if the offending driver pays within 14 days, this means that in 2022 London boroughs issued fines that could have potentially totalled nearly £52 million.

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. If drivers do receive a fine, they have 28 days to pay it or appeal to an independent tribunal."

School Street Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) issued by London Boroughs

Source: Churchill Motor insurance

ENDS

Notes to Editors

¹          Data based on Freedom of Information requests sent to London Boroughs in December 2022. 29 London Boroughs responded with data.

²          https://www.london.gov.uk/press-releases/mayoral/mayor-hails-success-of-schools-streets-programme

For further information please contact:

Hayley Saunders

Churchill PR Manager

Email: hayley.saunders@directlinegroup.co.uk

Churchill

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