Парковки у школ: почти каждый пятый родитель получает штраф при доставке детей

Nearly one in five parents have received a parking fine while dropping off or collecting their children from school, as new research reveals the rising costs linked to the daily journey. A survey of 1,000 UK parents by Carwow found that 19% had received a parking ticket during the school run. The fines can range from around £70 to £160 depending on the location and type of offence. Outside London, carers caught stopping on yellow zig-zag "School Keep Clear" markings or entering restricted "School Street" zones typically face a penalty of around £70, although this can often be reduced to £35 if paid within 14 days. In some London boroughs, however, charges can be much higher, with drivers facing penalties of between £110 and £160. For many parents, the rush of the morning drop-off can make finding a legal parking space difficult, but experts are urging families to plan ahead rather than risk stopping where they should not. Siobhan Doyle from Carwow said: "If the school gates are gridlocked, park a few streets away and walk the final stretch. It could be quicker than sitting in traffic and means you're less likely to be tempted to stop somewhere you shouldn't." Meanwhile, 41% of parents said fuel and charging costs were their biggest expense when getting their children to and from school. A further 11% said congestion charges and clean air zones were adding to costs, including London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) charge of £12.50 a day. More than a quarter of parents, 28%, said they were spending more on car cleaning and repairs because of increased wear and tear caused by regular school journeys, including scratches and scuffed bumpers. For some families, the school run has also changed the type of vehicle they need. More than half of parents surveyed, 55%, said they had moved to a larger car after their children started school. The reasons varied, with 44% saying they needed more space for school bags, lunchboxes and other equipment. Around 30% said they needed extra room because they regularly transported other children, while 28% said their own kids simply needed more space as they grew older. Despite concerns around congestion and costs, driving remains a common part of family life. Department for Transport figures show that 43% of primary school journeys and 30% of secondary school journeys are made by car.