Nearly 1,000 drivers have been slapped with penalties for inconsiderate parking across North East Lincolnshire.

The local council revealed that it has issued 924 Penalty Charge Notices to drivers caught illegally parking outside schools so far this year.

It comes after the council began enforcing tougher parking rules near schools to better promote safer streets and crossings for children.

There are now 12 schools that have signed up to the initiative, with Great Coates Primary and Reynolds Academy being the latest additions.

Drivers caught parking on yellow zig-zag lines near schools can be fined £70 | GETTY

The scheme began in 2022 when CCTV cameras were installed outside of Signhills Academy in Cleethorpes, with Old Clee Primary Academy bringing in enforcement cameras a few months later.

As more schools look to crack down on dangerous parking, the council shared that prior warnings were given before cameras went live, with parents being informed of what was to come.

However, when the cameras began enforcing the fines, drivers caught stopping on the yellow zig-zag lines were issued a £70 penalty, although this can be reduced to £35 if paid within 14 days.

The council shared: "The aim of the scheme is to enforce the keep clear markings restriction more effectively and help change behaviour long-term.

The council brought in the parking measures in 2022, with new CCTV cameras installed at several schools

"Ultimately, it helps to ensure children are arriving and leaving school safely by minimising the risk of nearby traffic and vehicles."

Councillor Ron Shepherd explained that children have the right to get to school safely, with the authority’s approach is just one way to make roads safer.

Mr Shepherd added: "Some may see this as purely a means to make money, but that is not the case. Parking illegally endangers children and other pedestrians in the area.

"School staff inform us that the cameras are working to deter people from stopping illegally, and we will continue to do this to make our school gates safe for everyone."

The council said it would continue to enforce in school areas and work in consultation with schools to ensure the "restrictions are adhered to".

Since the start of the year, the 12 schools have issued a number of fines, with Great Coates Primary School handing out 52 while Lisle Marsden Church of England Primary Academy handed out the most at 134.

Meanwhile, Macaulay Primary Academy issued 79 penalties to drivers, while Old Clee Primary Academy fined 51 drivers. Ormiston South Parade School slapped a further 119 drivers, while Queen Mary Avenue Infant and Nursery School gave out 75 penalties.

While the parking enforcement hoped to act as a deterrent to dangerous driving, residents have been left furious over the move.

The council hoped the parking penalties would promote safer streets for children near schools

Taking to social media, one person shared: "I feel that many fines may be an indication that the current 'keep children safe' policy is failing rather than working.

"Zero fines would be a better example of a policy with 100 per cent compliance and substantially safer areas for children."

Another person shared that the penalties were "just another way of robbing the taxpayer with fines".

They said: "No plans have ever been put into place to help the parents who drop kids off for school and then rush off to work. Some schools have had car parks built for parents so they can drop kids off with no danger."