PARENTS dropping their children off to class and stopping in their school’s ‘keep clear zone’ could face penalty notices as new tougher parking rules come into operation.

A new Traffic Regulation Order came into effect on Tuesday, September 4, making it an offence to stop or park on the markings at any time, even to drop off or pick up passengers.

This will be music to the ears of parents and staff at St Catherine’s C of E Primary School in Launceston, who have worked with Devon and Cornwall Police to try and ease significant traffic congestion issues around the school during the morning and afternoon drop-offs.

The zones are marked off to keep the space outside of schools free from parked vehicles so that children can be seen more easily when crossing the road.

They also help to provide a clear field of vision for other vulnerable road users when they are crossing the road.

From the start of the new school year, any vehicle parked on these markings may be issued with a Penalty Charge Notice of £70.

Cornwall Council and CORMAC has been working with schools, residents and local councillors across Cornwall over the last 18 months to review the existing zig-zag markings outside schools.

Portfolio holder for transport, Geoff Brown, said: “It is vital that we adhere to and enforce the no stopping zones outside our schools, as nothing is more important than the safety of our children.”

Many schools also work with the council and Sustrans to encourage children to walk, scoot or cycle to school which helps further ease congestion around school gates.

Park and stride initiatives, where parents are encouraged to park in a suitable car park a short walks distance from the school, help to avoid congestion outside the school and enable children to walk to school, getting their daily exercise.

The ‘Walking Bus’ initiative also means that if a parent is unable to walk their child the rest of the way to school, a volunteer (a parent or member of school staff) can safely walk the children along a safe route to school.