PARENTS who park illegally while on the school run could find themselves with a hefty fine under a clampdown being led by Barnet Council.

Residents and schools have complained recently about drivers stopping on these markings in the morning and afternoon and compromising the safety of pupils and hampering traffic.

As part of the crackdown, enforcement officers will be making unannounced visits to problem schools issuing tickets to people parking on double yellow lines, zig-zag and cross hatch markings, kerbs and verges and obstructing driveways and bus stops.

Councillor Brian Coleman, who is in charge of transport, said: “All Barnet schools have a green travel plan in place to help ease congestion at peak times; however these can only work with the full co-operation of parents.

“Road markings are in place for a very good reason. We cannot let dangerous and irresponsible parking become the norm. We will be clamping down to send a strong message to those drivers who flout the law outside the borough’s state and private schools.”