Kingston parents face ban on driving in school zones at pick-up and drop-off times

10 July 2021

Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras will be used in Kingston, Surrey to enforce a new trial rule coming into force in September 2021, which bans vehicles from roads outside of schools during drop-off and pick-up times.

The rule will apply for between six and eighteen months to the surrounding roads of two schools: St John’s School on Portland Road, Kingston Town and Christ Church School in Pine Gardens, Surbiton.

Vehicles detected in the school zones during the specified hours are likely to receive a Parking Charge Notice (PCN) of £65.00 rising to £130.00 if not paid within 14 days, if the driver is unable to prove a valid exemption. 

This includes parents and carers on the school run, as the new rule aims to encourage children and their guardians to walk or cycle to school instead of driving. 

The trial is an expansion of Kingston Council’s existing School Street schemes in Kingston Borough. Other trial School Streets include:

• St Paul’s Primary School on Alexandra Road running from 8:15-9:30 AM and 2:30-3:45 PM.
• Alexandra Primary School on Princes Road, in North Kingston from 8:15-9:30 AM and 2:30-3:45 PM.
• Castle Hill Primary School on Buckland Road in Chessington 8:00-9:30 AM and 2:00-3:45 PM.
• Latchmere Road and Dinton Road running from 8.15-9.30 AM and 2.30-4.00 PM.

You can find out more information about Kingston’s School Street schemes and FAQ’s here.

Kingston Council’s Portfolio Holder for Environment and Sustainable Transport Stephanie Archer said, “We are delighted to be introducing two more School Streets in the borough, helping to create safer and healthier environments for children and their families on their journeys to and from St John’s and Christ Church Primary Schools.

“St John’s has an exemplary Gold Travel plan and Christ Church has been working hard to promote sustainable travel options and its Bikeability training to pupils, however, both schools are experiencing ongoing issues with through-traffic that is sadly out of their hands.

“From September, most vehicles will no longer be allowed outside the schools during drop-off and pick-up times, maximising space for families to walk, cycle and scoot safely.

"This will also help dramatically reduce vehicle idling outside the school entrances, helping improve air quality in the area.

“Our School Streets are one part of our wider commitment to tackling the climate emergency, improving air quality and enabling our residents and visitors to use sustainable travel options.”

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