Brent Council Issues £1.15 Million in Fines at Single Kensal Rise School Street Location
Brent Council has collected £1,152,709 in fines from its School Street scheme near Manor School in Kensal Rise, according to figures released up to the end of March. This substantial revenue was generated from penalty charge notices issued to drivers contravening the restrictions on a short stretch of Chamberlayne Road.
The scheme, designed to limit traffic during school drop-off and pick-up times, has faced criticism from some local businesses who claim it has deterred customers and negatively impacted trade. Conversely, proponents argue it has improved air quality and safety for schoolchildren.
A Freedom of Information request revealed that in the 2022-23 financial year alone, fines totalled £700,000 from this single location. The council has maintained that the aim of the scheme is not revenue generation but to promote active travel and enhance safety around schools. However, the sheer volume of fines suggests a significant number of drivers are either unaware of or disregarding the restrictions, or that signage and enforcement methods are inadequate.
The council previously suspended fines at another School Street site due to issues with the enforcement camera. While no such problems have been identified at the Manor School location, the consistent high level of penalties raises questions about the overall design and communication of these traffic management initiatives in the borough.
