Three people have been prosecuted for parking in a banned zone outside a Rickmansworth school.

Parents trying to save time by stopping in the prohibited area around Shepherd Primary School to drop off or pick up their children have been heavily fined for breaching a council order.

Three Rivers District Council brought in a Public Spaces Protection Order in May last year and secured a similar conviction in December.

One of the parents convicted on Wednesday (March 20) had breached the order multiple times and all three now have criminal records.

Two parents received fines of £350 each and the third parent was ordered to pay £580 for two breaches.

The magistrates noted all three had been given several opportunities to communicate with the council.

Leader of the council, Cllr Sara Bedford, said: “Our Shepherd School PSPO was developed after working and consulting with staff and parents from the school. It is in place to ensure the safety of children travelling to and from this school, nursery and children’s centre; it’s disappointing that people continue to put children at risk to save a few minutes.”

Roger Seabourne, lead member for community safety and partnerships, added: “We are determined to continue to make the school journey a safe one for children. The council take breaches seriously and give people several opportunities to resolve this before moving to prosecution.”

Headteacher of Shepherd School Claire Foad added: “This project has been successful in improving safety for our children travelling to and from school. We are pleased the majority of people support and follow the PSPO and support the council taking action against those caught breaching it.”