London Borough Rakes in £11 Million Annually from Surging Driving Fines on School Streets

Concerns have emerged regarding the substantial number of fines issued to motorists on School Streets within a North London borough, with over 70,000 penalties dispensed in just one year. Local representatives have expressed dissatisfaction, pointing out that the signage at various locations in Brent is often “unclear, poorly positioned, or difficult to interpret while driving.”

Overview of Penalty Charges Issued

Between April 2025 and March 2026, Brent Council issued a staggering 73,018 Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) to drivers near 33 schools within the borough. If these fines are paid in full, they could potentially generate more than £11.6 million in revenue. This figure translates to an average of 384 fines per day, based on the estimated 190 school days in Brent each year. These penalties are a component of the local authority’s ‘School Streets’ initiative, which aims to enforce road closures outside schools during drop-off and pick-up times for safety and environmental reasons.

The streets most heavily impacted are those surrounding Preston Manor School, which became part of the scheme in November 2024. Despite warnings indicating that drivers must possess a permit or exemption, council data reveals that 12,250 fines were issued in the twelve months leading up to March of this year. The restrictions prohibit unauthorised vehicles from accessing Carlton Avenue East, Princess Avenue, Bowling Green Court, and Elmstead Avenue between 8am and 9am and 2:30pm and 4pm on weekdays.

Impact on Local Communities and Schools

In its initial implementation, the school acknowledged the potential for a transition period, asserting that the scheme would yield an immediate positive impact on children’s safety. Other schools experiencing a significant number of fines include those surrounding John Keble C of E, Maple Walk, and St Claudine’s in Harlesden, which have collectively seen 12,171 fines issued. Additionally, Kingsbury Green and St Robert Southwell in Kingsbury have witnessed 8,337 PCNs issued.

These restricted School Streets are enforced not through manual barriers but via local CCTV cameras and mobile enforcement teams. Drivers found in violation face fines of up to £160, which can be reduced to £80 if paid within 14 days. Consequently, between April 2025 and March 2026, the council’s revenue from School Street violations could range from £5.8 million to £11.6 million, depending on payment compliance, although many fines may also go unpaid.

Concerns Raised in Council Meetings

The matter is set to be addressed by Conservative Councillor Michael Maurice during the upcoming Full Council meeting. Cllr Maurice has raised concerns regarding what he terms the “significant number” of fines issued and has requested an examination of the signage in place, as well as a comprehensive breakdown of the statistics. He aims to ensure motorists are not being penalised due to “inadequate signage or poor scheme design” rather than intentional rule violations. Additionally, he seeks to understand the scheme’s efficacy in enhancing child safety and reducing pollution, to dispel any notions that these measures are merely revenue-generating.

Council’s Commitment to Fair Enforcement

Cllr Promise Knight, the Cabinet Member for Cleaner Streets, Transport and Public Realm, reaffirmed Brent Council’s dedication to ensuring all School Street schemes operate “fairly, lawfully, and effectively.” She emphasised that the council’s signage complies with national legal standards. Furthermore, the council initiated a borough-wide review of School Street signage in 2023, leading to the installation of advance warning signs on approaches to restricted areas, even though such signage is not a legal requirement.

In 2024, a further signage review was conducted, resulting in additional advance warning signs being placed at multiple School Street locations to enhance driver awareness. Cllr Knight stated that all School Street schemes now incorporate advance warning signage at every entry point, along with two entry signs wherever practical. The council regularly assesses locations with higher enforcement activity and is open to implementing further improvements if necessary.

Evaluation of Road Safety and Travel Behaviour

Brent Council recently completed an evaluation of 22 School Street schemes across the borough to determine their influence on road safety, travel behaviours, air quality, and stakeholder feedback. The findings revealed that child casualty numbers remained “very low,” and there were “no sustained increases” in road traffic injuries at most schools, with several experiencing reductions in overall casualties.

The review also indicated a positive shift in travel behaviour, with a decrease in car usage coupled with an increase in walking, cycling, scooting, and public transport utilisation. Annual nitrogen dioxide (NO2) concentrations fell during the monitoring period, suggesting a decline in vehicle emissions and improved local air quality. Cllr Knight concluded that School Streets have garnered strong support from residents and the school community, yielding positive feedback. The findings suggest that the initiative is effective in fulfilling the council’s transport objectives, fostering a safer environment around schools, reducing traffic-related risks, and promoting active travel.