Croydon council banking on making £1m fining drivers outside schools

By Tara O’Connor, Local Democracy Reporter

Croydon council is expected to make more than £1m from fining drivers outside schools next year.

The figures were confirmed at a cabinet meeting on Wednesday night where nine new ‘school streets’ were given the green light. It will bring the total across the borough up to 33.

The schemes aim to improve air quality and safety outside of schools, with drivers facing a fine of up to £130 for entering the streets at drop-off and pick-up times during term time.

The nine new schemes will be rolled out outside of The Crescent Primary School, South Norwood Primary School, St Cyprians Greek Orthodox Primary School, Howard Primary School, Oasis Shirley Park, Good Shephers Catholic School, Kenley Primary School, Gonville Academy and Park Hill Junior and Infants.

At the meeting, leader of the opposition welcomed the introduction of more school streets but asked how much money the council expected to make from them.

He said: “With very few exceptions they have proved to be popular with schools and parents. More importantly, they have created safer environments at our school gates and I would anticipate that the nine will do likewise.”

It is expected to cost nearly £300,000 to implement the new school streets. They will be introduced on a trial basis for up to 18 months.

There was a low response rate to the initial consultation with just six per cent of those asked coming back.

Following this, the council decided not to go ahead with proposed restrictions outside Harris Academy South Norwood and Krishna Avanti Primary School.

Mayor Jason Perry said: “The schemes are there for protecting young people and enhancing their journey to school but they do deliver revenue over time that tends to decrease.”

Pictured top: Sign for a school street in Croydon (Picture: Tara O’Connor)