Police have publicly shamed drivers and issued fines for what they describe as 'inconsiderate and dangerous' parking outside schools in the Black Country.
Patrols Target Illegal Parking
Officers from Halesowen Police carried out targeted patrols around local schools on the morning of Wednesday, 7 January 2026. During the operation, they identified multiple vehicles illegally parked on yellow zigzag markings directly outside school entrances.
To highlight the issue, the force shared images of two offending vehicles on social media platform X. In a stern post, they stated that parking in this manner puts lives at risk and confirmed that penalty charge notices were being issued to the drivers involved.
A Clear and Present Danger
The police emphasised that the purpose of school zigzag zones is to maintain a clear line of sight for children crossing the road and for other road users. Blocking these areas creates a significant safety hazard.
"Today, Halesowen NHT carried out further patrols around local schools to tackle inconsiderate and dangerous parking," the statement read. "Parking on zig-zags puts lives at risk. Tickets are being issued, please park responsibly and help us keep our school zones safe!" The message ended with the hashtag #CommunityFirst.
Understanding Zigzag Rules
According to official guidance, the yellow zigzag markings found at most UK school entrances are legally enforceable. They indicate areas where motorists must not wait, stop, or park to ensure the safety of pedestrians, particularly children.
Key rules include:
- Yellow zigzags without accompanying signs advise drivers not to wait or park there at any time.
- They are designed to keep areas clear so children and road users can see each other clearly.
- Police and traffic wardens can issue tickets for parking on them, often on the grounds of causing an obstruction.
- Some zigzags are paired with single or double yellow lines, which carry their own specific restrictions.
While the police did not name the specific schools involved in this latest crackdown, their action serves as a stark warning to all parents and motorists. The force has made it clear that irresponsible parking will not be tolerated and that enforcement will continue to protect vulnerable road users in the community.
