Derby man fined three times for breaking road rules on his own street

A Derby resident faces fines under School Safe Haven Zones, highlighting safety goals and concerns about revenue.

Derby man fined three times for breaking road rules on his own street

A Derby man has been fined three times for entering a School Safe Haven Zone on Church Street in Littleover, despite living on the same street. Fines can reach up to 70 pounds and some drivers are exempt, including residents with valid permits. The council introduced School Safe Haven Zones to shield children during school run times and to reduce traffic and pollution. Nearly 28,000 fines have been issued across Derby in the last two years, with more than 6,000 on Church Street near St Peter’s Junior School, equating to around 200,000 pounds in fines from that road alone.
The council says the zones improve safety and environment by encouraging walking and cycling, and that the changes are supported by schools and local businesses. Adrian Collis, who has lived on Church Street for 15 years, says the rules cause mayhem because drivers try to avoid the zones and end up blocking exits. He claims his own permit sometimes expired, leading to fines, and questions whether the scheme is more about money than safety. Irna Boicuk, a nearby resident, agrees the previous parking situation was chaotic and welcomes the scheme as safer, even if some fines feel harsh. Councillor Carmel Swan defends the zones as part of a broader move to safer streets and cleaner air, noting positive feedback and reduced congestion outside schools.

The program aims to balance child safety with street space. Yet revenue from fines creates a fairness tension: is enforcement protecting kids or financing services? Critics worry that residents on the street pay in both money and time while nonresidents may still access zones. The city could consider alternatives like one way streets or clearer permit rules to reduce confusion and anger. In the long run, safety gains must be measured with solid data and transparent reporting on how fines are used.

Highlights

The debate over safety and street space in Derby is ongoing