By Richard Guttridge

Copyright birminghammail

Parents face more traffic restrictions around schools and could be hit with fines if they ignore the rules. Local councils are increasingly introducing so-called ‘school streets’. These are restrictions on certain roads close to schools during mornings and afternoons when kids are going to and leaving school. READ MORE: HMRC to take money from millions of pensioners under ‘unfair’ rule Get our best money saving tips and hacks by signing up to our newsletter More of these restrictions have been popping up over recent years, including in the West Midlands. Council leaders have expressed their desire to put more restrictions in place around schools, with Dudley being the latest to confirm plans. During school street times, some roads may be closed or there may be certain restrictions around parking. The aim of the schemes is to improve safety for children as well as cut pollution around schools. While many local authorities are favouring education over financial penalties, repeat offenders or those who blatantly ignore the rules could be hit with fines. Councillor Simon Phipps, cabinet member for economy and infrastructure at Dudley Council, said: “We’re currently piloting an 18-month project as part of the school streets scheme funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority which prohibits drivers from driving on selected roads around two test schools during peak drop off and pick up time. “Fewer cars on the roads at these times translates into less opportunity for traffic idling and fewer emissions. “These pilots at Peter’s Hill Primary, Amblecote and Brook Primary, Brierley Hill will soon be coming to an end when we will be assessing their effectiveness and potentially making them permanent and extending them to other schools in the borough.” West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker said recently: “We are making it easier and safer for people, especially families on the school run, to choose cycling and walking for their shorter daily journeys. “It’s healthy, great for the environment and good fun and if more people choose active travel we can reduce traffic congestion on our streets. “That’s why I’m joining my fellow Mayors in this pledge and, working with our councils, will be doing more to deliver additional cycle routes and safer streets around our schools.”