Brent Council has issued more than £1m in penalty charge notices to drivers under a School Street scheme outside Manor School in Kensal Rise since November 2024. The north-west London council collected an average of £54,799 per month over 21 months, drawing criticism from local politicians over sign visibility.
School Streets undergo testing across the local authority area to restrict traffic during morning drop-offs and afternoon pick-ups, using mobile enforcement units and CCTV cameras for monitoring. Motorists caught entering the restricted zone face a £160 fine, reduced to £80 if paid within 14 days.
Financial and Operational Metrics of the Manor School Scheme
- Following the rollout of the initiative outside Manor School in Kensal Rise during November 2024, Brent Council levied penalties amounting to £1.15m, citing environmental and road safety benefits as the objective.
- Monthly collections average £54,799 over the 21 months the scheme has operated during term time.
- Two enforcement cameras enforcing the scheme outside Manor School raised more than £107,000 in July 2025 alone, as reported citing the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
Why Are Drivers Accumulating £1.15 Million in Penalties?
Ward Councillor Barbara Want raised concerns that the signage governing the Manor School Street scheme is too high and not properly visible to motorists. An earlier account indicated that 70,000 PCNs were handed out over a 12-month period, translating to 384 penalties on each school day.
Councillor Want argued that the high volume of fines indicates a failing system rather than effective safety enforcement. Want said: “For months I have been highlighting the huge volume of PCNs issued to drivers on the Manor School Street.” “The fact that it has raked in more than £1m in two years should have told them something wasn’t right.”
How Is Brent Council Responding to Low Compliance Rates?
Brent Council defended the placement of the original signage, stating it complied with Department for Transport guidelines. However, due to low compliance among drivers, the local authority decided to install additional lower-level warning signs and gateway features to provide greater clarity.
Councillor Promise Knight, cabinet member for cleaner streets, transport and public spaces, maintained that the initiative prioritizes public safety. “School Streets exist to make the journey to and from school safer for children and families,” Knight stated, according to BBC. “The purpose of the scheme is to protect children by reducing congestion and improving air quality.”
| Metric | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Total Fines Issued | £1.15 Million | BBC / Yahoo News UK |
| Average Monthly Revenue | £54,799 | BBC / Yahoo News UK |
| Peak Single-Month Total (July 2025) | £107,000+ | Yahoo News UK / LDRS |
| Standard Penalty Charge Notice | £160 (£80 if paid in 14 days) | BBC / Yahoo News UK |
What Happens Next for the Kensal Rise Trial?
Brent Council confirmed it will continue to review the trial scheme and implement practical adjustments to assist motorists with compliance.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
