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Zig-Zag Markings

The zig-zag markings that are usually found on the road outside the school gates are there to help protect the pupils. These mean:

No Stopping

Zig-zag markings are there for a purpose – to provide a clear area in which children can cross more safely.

Because of their size, children cannot see if the road is clear from behind parked cars. Drivers cannot see small children hidden by parked cars. When children go to and from school, there is usually a lot of traffic.

The majority of zig-zag markings in Portsmouth have a Traffic Order relating to the time that the markings apply. This is either 8.00am to 4.00pm, or 8.00pm to 5.00pm Monday to Friday.  This means that you cannot stop your vehicle on the zig-zag lines during the times stated.

Executive Member for Education, Children and Lifelong Learning Councillor Eleanor Scott said: "Parents who indiscriminately jeopardise children’s safety by stopping outside school entrances should be prepared for being fined.

"Mums and Dads come up with all sorts of excuses as to why they insist on parking right outside school gates. But parents themselves pose the biggest threat by blocking the view of other motorists who cannot see youngsters crossing between parked cars.

"We need to educate parents about this issue. The council is committed to improving safety, with children at the top of our agenda. We are also reminding taxi drivers that they are not entitled to stop on the yellow zig-zags. Quite frankly, there is no point in having a parking restriction to keep children safe unless we enforce it".

The Road Safety team is constantly working with the Parking Enforcement Officers to issue the offenders with tickets, and if necessary we contact the local Police office to notify them of the worst offenders.

If you have to drive your child to school

do not park on the zig-zag lines.

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