Many drivers are only just discovering the meaning of yellow and white zigzag lines outside schools in the UK, with police warning that parking on them could result in three penalty points and a hefty fine. The school run can be stressful, but a police sergeant is urging parents not to park on these markings to save a few seconds.
Police Warning on School Zigzag Lines
Sergeant Owen Messenger from Devon and Cornwall Police, who works in Road Casualty Reduction, regularly shares road safety advice alongside content creator George on the TikTok account @GeorgesCarMedia. In a recent video, he explained: "If you're dropping off or picking up your kids from school, you could be breaking the law without even realising it."
The officer highlighted that yellow zigzags are commonly placed outside schools to ensure a clear view for parents, teachers, and children during drop-off and pick-up times. "If you park on those zigzags you're obstructing the view and you're getting in the way of people coming in and out of that entrance or exit. So please do not park on those yellow zigzags when you're dropping the kids off or you're picking them up. It might maybe save you a couple of seconds but you're putting everybody at risk by doing so," he said.
White Zigzag Lines and Crossing Points
Sergeant Messenger also explained that white zigzag lines appear near crossings outside schools. He warned: "Now on the lead up to the crossing and the other side of the crossing there are white zigzags. Now the difference between these and the yellow zigzags is that if you park within the white zigzags you are going to get three points and a fine. So don't park within the crocodile's teeth or you might get bitten."
Drivers are advised to check for accompanying signs that indicate whether restrictions apply 24/7 or only during school hours. The warning has sparked reactions online, with many admitting they were unaware of the rules, while others criticised drivers who ignore them. One commenter said: "As an ex bus driver in London this nice police person is doing a great job." Another added: "Most parents don’t care they’ll still carry on doing it. And it won’t change any time soon." A third noted: "Would help if schools weren’t built in the middle of housing estates with no parking or facility to drop off, without walking a long time."
