4. Parking outside schools
We want every child to have a safe journey to and from school.
Roads outside schools can get very busy, especially at the start and end of the school day. Parking carefully and following road markings helps keep children, families and other road users safe.
Parking safely near schools
If you're driving to school, please allow enough time to find somewhere safe and legal to park.
When dropping off or collecting children:
- Do not stop or park on school keep clear markings (yellow zigzag lines) when restrictions are in force.
- Do not double park or stop alongside another parked vehicle.
- Keep entrances, driveways and crossing points clear.
- Make sure children can see approaching traffic and drivers can see them.
- Follow any parking restrictions and signs in the area.
Parking a little further away and walking the last part of the journey can help reduce congestion outside school entrances.
School keep clear markings
Yellow zigzag lines outside schools help keep entrances clear and give children and drivers a better view of the road.
Stopping on these markings when restrictions are in force can result in a fine, even if you're only dropping someone off or picking them up.
Parking restrictions may be enforced by officers on patrol or by our CCTV enforcement vehicle.
CCTV parking enforcement near schools
We use a vehicle fitted with CCTV cameras to help enforce parking restrictions outside schools.
During term time, the vehicle visits schools across Oldham, particularly at the beginning and end of the school day.
Signs at enforcement locations let drivers know that CCTV enforcement may be taking place.
How CCTV enforcement works
Trained enforcement officers use the CCTV cameras to record vehicles that may be parked illegally.
Another officer reviews the evidence to decide whether a parking restriction has been broken.
If a parking offence is confirmed:
- A Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) may be sent by post to the vehicle's registered keeper.
- The notice will include photographic evidence of the offence.
Why enforcement vehicles may park on yellow lines
You may sometimes see a CCTV enforcement vehicle parked on yellow lines while officers are working.
Enforcement vehicles are allowed to stop in certain restricted areas when carrying out their duties.
Officers must assess any safety risks and park as safely as possible.
Parking on yellow lines
Yellow lines show where waiting restrictions apply. These restrictions also apply to the pavement and verge.
Single yellow lines
Parking restrictions apply during the times shown on nearby signs or zone entry signs.
Double yellow lines
Waiting is not allowed at any time, including Sundays and bank holidays.
You can usually stop briefly to let passengers get in or out, or to load and unload, unless other restrictions apply.
Always check nearby signs and road markings before stopping.
Double parking
Double parking means stopping or parking alongside another vehicle, away from the edge of the road.
This can block traffic and make it difficult for drivers to see pedestrians, particularly children trying to cross.
Do not double park when dropping off or collecting children, even if you stay in your vehicle.
Why we do not normally introduce yellow lines outside schools
We understand that parking near schools can be frustrating for residents, parents and other road users.
However, introducing more yellow lines does not always solve the problem.
This is because drivers can usually stop briefly on yellow lines to pick up or drop off passengers, unless other restrictions apply.
For this reason, we do not normally introduce single or double yellow lines solely to address parking problems at school drop-off and collection times.
Helping children cross roads safely
It's important to help children learn how to cross roads safely, especially near busy school entrances.
Remind your child to follow the Green Cross Code:
- Find a safe place to cross, using a pedestrian crossing where possible.
- Stop at the kerb.
- Look in all directions and listen for traffic.
- Wait until it's safe to cross.
- Walk straight across the road, continuing to look and listen.
Crossing near parked cars
Children should avoid crossing between parked cars because it can be difficult for them to see approaching traffic and for drivers to see them.
If there's no safer place to cross, remind your child to:
- Choose a gap between parked cars where they can see clearly.
- Check that neither vehicle is about to move.
- Walk carefully to the outside edge of the parked cars and stop.
- Look and listen for traffic before crossing when it's safe.
Keeping children safe in cars
Make sure your child uses a suitable car seat or booster seat for their height and weight, in line with the legal requirements.
CCTV parking enforcement code of practice
Our code of practice explains how we use CCTV cameras to enforce parking restrictions and how the system is managed.