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Yes it is highly likely you are parked illegally if you drop off or pick up your child directly outside school gates on restricted zones. In Tipton and surrounding Sandwell areas, West Midlands Police and local councils regularly issue alerts warning parents about "inconsiderate and dangerous" school-run parking. The rules below highlight what makes school-run parking illegal, the specific zones to avoid in Tipton, and how authorities are taking action. The "Illegal Parking" Checklist for School Runs According to the Highway Code and local Tipton updates a vehicle is parked illegally or dangerously if it does any of the following: Stops on Yellow Zigzags: The "School Keep Clear" zigzag lines mean absolutely no stopping, waiting, or dropping off during the restricted times shown on nearby signs.Forces Pedestrians into the Road: Parking on a pavement (footway) so that a double pushchair, wheelchair, or visually impaired person cannot get past is considered "criminal obstruction".Blocks Dropped Kerbs or Driveways: Parking across a resident's driveway or blocking a pedestrian crossing point is a strict civil parking offence.Parks near Junctions: Stopping near a street corner or junction creates blind spots, making it incredibly dangerous for pupils trying to cross. The Penalties: Who Enforces What in Sandwell? Depending on where the vehicle is stopped, enforcement comes from two different authorities: Violation Type | Enforced By | Likely Consequence | Stopping on Yellow Zigzags, Double Yellow Lines, or blocking Dropped Kerbs | Sandwell Council Civil Enforcement Wardens | A Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) fine (often halved if paid within 14 days). | Dangerous Parking, parking near Junctions, or completely blocking a pavement (Obstruction) | West Midlands Police | A Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN), a fine, and potential penalty points on your licence. |
Even if a police officer or council warden is not present, you can still face prosecution. West Midlands Police heavily promotes Operation Snap. This tool allows local residents and other parents to upload dashcam or smartphone footage of vehicles parked dangerously near schools. The police use this evidence to issue fines directly. Tips to Avoid a Fine Leave earlier: Give yourself enough time to park legally a short walk away from the gates.Never drop on the move: Letting children hop out while stopped on zigzags or double yellow lines—even for "just a second"—is actionable.Respect Tipton residents: Avoid "plonking" a car across local driveways or on narrow residential verges surrounding the schools.Thank you from Tipton police station. | 
