07/09/2026
A message from Staffordshire Police:
🚸 Parking Outside Schools 🚸
Good Morning Everyone,
Now that the children have returned to school 📚, we'd like to remind all motorists of the parking restrictions and safety considerations around school entrances and surrounding roads.
School drop-off and pick-up times can be very busy 🚗🚙, creating increased risks for children, parents, and other road users. Parking restrictions are in place to help keep everyone safe, and motorists are encouraged to follow the Highway Code at all times.
🚧 School Keep Clear Markings
Most schools have yellow zigzag road markings with the words "School Keep Clear" outside their entrances and exits.
These markings are designed to: ✅ Improve visibility for children crossing the road
✅ Reduce congestion outside schools
✅ Help keep children, parents, and motorists safe
You may also see zigzag markings outside hospitals 🚑, fire stations 🚒, police stations 🚓, and ambulance stations.
Some locations will have signs showing specific restriction times. Please always check local signage carefully.
🚫 Parking on Yellow Zigzags
Parking, waiting, or stopping on yellow zigzags can create serious safety hazards.
Even where restrictions are not specifically signed, vehicles parked on zigzags can obstruct visibility and put pedestrians at risk. Enforcement action may be taken where vehicles are causing an obstruction.
⚠️ Parking Opposite School Entrances
While it may be legal to park opposite school zigzags, doing so can make it much harder for children to see approaching traffic and for drivers to see children crossing.
If possible, please avoid parking directly opposite school entrances and crossing points.
✅ Safe Parking Tips
When dropping off or collecting children:
🕒 Allow extra time for your journey
🚸 Avoid parking on yellow zigzag markings
🚗 Consider parking a short distance away and walking the remainder of the journey
🏠 Respect local residents by not blocking driveways or access routes
👀 Be mindful of children who may cross unexpectedly
💷 Parking Fines
Local authorities can issue Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) where parking restrictions are in force.
In areas without civil parking enforcement powers, police officers or traffic wardens may issue Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs).
Stopping or parking in restricted areas outside schools can result in a fine, and repeat unsafe parking creates unnecessary risk to children and other road users.
👧👦 Let's Keep Our Children Safe
A few extra minutes spent parking safely can make a huge difference. Please help make the school run safer by parking responsibly and showing consideration for children, parents, residents, and other road users.
Thank you for your cooperation and support. 🙏🚸👮♂️
🚗💛🚸
The Highway Code - Waiting and parking (238 to 252) - https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-highway-code/road-markings
The Highway Code - Road markings - Guidance: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-highway-code/waiting-and-parking-238-to-252
