Parking around schools

At the start of every school term the Police Safer Neighbourhood Team and our Safer South Derbyshire Partnership team begin to receive complaints about inconsiderate and often illegal parking at the start and end of each school day, around the schools in our district.

We understand that people have busy lives and are often dropping children off at school on their way to work so they are in a hurry. 

We also understand that this really busy period only lasts for about half an hour at the start and end of each school day so those doing the school run may think it's nothing, but if you live near to a school it can feel like complete chaos on your doorstep!

Road traffic injuries are the biggest cause of death among young people worldwide and six children are killed or seriously injured on roads every day in the UK.

Young children can be easily distracted and could run into the road without looking.

Heavy traffic and illegal parking can make visibility difficult for pedestrians and drivers.

Despite initiatives like 20mph zones, speeding is still a significant concern for parents, with speed being a factor in a quarter of fatal crashes.

Children and adults can be distracted by mobile phones, which can lead to accidents.

Don't Park Here - school parking banner

We want parents to make sure they park safely, responsibly and legally so that no one gets hurts. To support this we contact schools and ask them to include reminders in their school newsletters. We also carry out joint patrols where we approach those who are parking inconsiderately or illegal to challenge their behaviours and explain why it matters.

It is illegal to park on 'School Keep Clear' markings, or zigzag markings. Yellow lines on the road also show that parking restrictions are in place.

'School Keep Clear' markings are there for the safety of children and other pedestrians. They are there to keep the area completely clear of vehicles at school start and finish times.

Help us to keep the roads around schools safe when you're driving:

  • stick to the speed limits around schools and be prepared to slow down further during busy periods. A child hit by a car at 30mph is five times more likely to be more fatally injured than at 20mph. 
  • do not use your mobile phone or eat or adjust the radio while driving, as even a moment's lapse in concentration can be dangerous.
  • always stop when instructed to by a school crossing patrol person.
  • never park illegally on zigzag markings or double yellow lines, which are designed to ensure clear visibility for children and other drivers around schools

The Safer Neighbourhood Team continue to monitor school parking concerns, working with schools and Civil Enforcement Officers who manage the enforcement of on street parking regulations like double / single yellow lines and enforceable 'School Keep Clear' zones.

Further information around parking offences and enforcement can be found at parking enforcement.