Drive to cut down the school run

Parents could face fines for parking near schools under plans to boost walking, cycling and bus travel for pupils.

Education minister Lord Adonis said he wanted action because driving near schools led to more accidents as well as pollution and traffic jams.

Powers come into force next month requiring all local councils to promote more ecofriendly school transport. Some town halls, such as Camden, are restricting parking near school gates in a bid to force parents to walk with their children.

In the past 20 years, the number of pupils travelling to school by car has more than doubled.

Government research shows that 13 per cent of all urban car journeys on weekdays between 8am and 9am involve school runs. Other plans included using more US-style yellow school buses and extra funding for cycle lanes.

Margaret Morrissey from the National Confederation of Parent Teacher Assocations, said the plans were "unrealistic".