Parents who drop off their children at the school gates without a permit could be fined up to £70 as part of new road safety measures.

Shropshire Council is launching an 18-month pilot of its “School Streets” campaign at five schools across the county, which will see traffic cameras used to monitor vehicles entering and leaving restricted zones outside each school.

The authority says the move will reduce traffic outside the school gates during peak drop-off and pick-up times and encourage more people to drop their children off on foot – and parents and residents who ignore the zone will be issued with a penalty charge notice.

However the authority says exemption permits will be available for some residents and school staff, who will be required to supply either a proof of address or a letter from their school employer to confirm they need access to the site.

Five schools are set to take part in the scheme

  • Gobowen Primary
  • Market Drayton Juniors
  • Woodside Primary in Oswestry
  • Mereside Primary in Shrewsbury
  • Whitchurch Junior.

An existing “School Street”has been in operation at Coleham Primary in Shrewsbury for several years.

“It’s really important that we make roads safe for all users, especially around schools, and I’m really pleased that our School Streets pilot will soon begin,” said Kirstie Hurst-Knight, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for education.

“School Streets have proven to be successful in increasing active travel levels to school as well as creating safer environments outside the school gates.

“Where traffic is restricted on roads outside schools at pick-up and drop-off times during term-times, School Streets make it safer and easier for children to walk, scoot and cycle to school. This reduces children’s exposure to air pollution on part of their journey to school and from cars with idling engines outside the school gates.”

The zones are set to be implemented using new powers which came into effect in 2023, giving local authorities the power to enforce so-called moving traffic offences. The authority says this will be the first occasion they have been used.

The council says letters have been sent out to affected residents and parents, with anyone wishing to apply for a permit required to upload their supporting evidence by June 3 via the council’s MiPermit parking management system.

The School Streets pilot scheme will be officially launched at Market Drayton Junior School on Thursday, June 6.