The back-to-school motoring costs parents might not have budgeted for
Car changing is a big deal
Nearly one in five parents say they’ve been fined while dropping off or collecting their children, as new research reveals the hidden costs of the school run.
For many parents and guardians, getting ready for the new school years means thinking about uniforms, shoes, stationary and school bags. But there’s another cost that can quickly add up once the school run becomes part of the daily routine: motoring.
New research from Carwow, based on a survey of 1,000 UK parents, has found that nearly one in five (19%) have received a parking ticket while dropping off or collecting their children.
And with Department for Transport figures showing that 43% of trips to and from primary school are made by car, parking isn’t the only potential expense families need to think about when the school gates reopen.
Remember, you can buy a brand new or used car right here on Carwow. And you can sell your car, too. We’re here to help you through every step of your car-changing journey.
Parking on the school run can be a challenge
The school run can be a particularly stressful time for drivers, with busy roads, limited parking and pressure to get children through the school gates on time.
For some parents, that can mean taking a chance on where they stop, only to be hit with an unexpected parking ticket.
The amount you could be fined depends on where you are. In most areas outside London, a parking or stopping fine for breaking school parking restrictions – such as stopping on the yellow zig-zag “School Keep Clear” lines or entering a restricted “School Street” zone – is usually around £70, often reduced to £35 if you pay within 14 days.
In some London boroughs, such as the City of Westminster, Enfield and Hammersmith & Fulham, fines can be higher. Depending on the type of offence, a Penalty Charge Notice can be £110 or £160, with a 50% discount if paid within 14 days, reducing the fine to £55 or £80.
While a quick stop might seem harmless, restrictions around school entrances are designed to keep children and other road users safe. Taking a few extra minutes to find a suitable place to park could save parents an unwelcome fine and help reduce congestion around the school gates.
3 simple ways to avoid a school-gate parking headache
- If the school gates are gridlocked, park a few streets away and walk the final stretch. It could be quicker than sitting in traffic and means you’re less likely to be tempted to stop somewhere you shouldn’t.
- Never stop or park on school zig-zag lines. Keeping these areas clear helps maintain visibility around the school entrance and makes the area safer for children.
- When dropping children off, always have them get out on the pavement side of the car where possible, rather than stepping into the road.
The daily cost parents may notice more than a parking fine
A parking ticket may be an occasional expense, but the school run can also add to household motoring costs on a regular basis.
In fact, 41% of parents say higher fuel or charging costs are one of the biggest impacts of the school run, according to the Carwow research.
Even a short journey can add up when repeated twice a day, five days a week. For parents also driving to work, clubs, activities or childcare, those extra miles can become a significant part of their weekly routine.
The hidden school-run bill isn’t necessarily one large expense, but a collection of smaller costs that build up over time – from fuel and charging to parking, cleaning and maintenance.
Iain Reid, global content director at Carwow, explains: “Having children has a huge influence on what people want and need from a car, as the lifestyle changes that come with starting a family demand more space, safety and flexibility.”
It’s not just fuel: the school run can take its toll on the car
The extra journeys can also have an impact on the car itself.
More than a quarter (28%) of parents surveyed by Carwow say they have to clean their vehicle more frequently, while parents also report increased wear and tear, including scratches and scuffed bumpers.
It’s easy to see how the school run can contribute. Children are getting in and out of the car every day, often with heavy school bags, sports equipment and muddy shoes in tow. Add busy school car parks and tight spaces into the mix, and it’s perhaps no surprise that family cars can end up looking a little more lived-in.
The cost of the school run therefore doesn’t always show up on a fuel receipt. It can also appear in the form of more frequent cleaning, repairs and general maintenance.
And the practical demands can extend well beyond the school gates. As Reid puts it: “Whether it’s finding room for sports equipment, packing for family holidays, fitting multiple child seats or giving lifts to friends, the demands placed on a family car can look very different just a few years after a child starts school.”
The school run can be a bigger lifestyle change than expected
Taken together, the Carwow figures paint a picture of a routine that can have a surprisingly wide-ranging impact on family motoring.
It’s a domino effect. More daily journeys can mean higher fuel or charging costs, while busy school gates can bring parking headaches and, for some parents, unexpected fines. Regular use can also mean more cleaning and wear and tear, while transporting children can change what families need from their vehicle.
So, as the school gates reopen this September, take a moment to think beyond the usual back-to-school shopping list and ask yourself: is your current car still working for your family’s needs?
Don’t just budget for the back-to-school shop
With 43% of primary-school trips made by car, the school run is an everyday reality for millions of families. And as the latest Carwow research suggests, it’s one that can bring unexpected motoring costs.
As children’s needs change, so too can what parents need from their car. As Reid explains: “That’s why flexibility has become increasingly important for many parents. Buying a car is a significant long-term financial commitment, but what works for a young family may not suit them a few years later.”
That’s where leasing a car could be a good option for families looking for more flexibility.
“Leasing allows families to choose a vehicle that meets their current needs with the ease of switching to something more suitable as their family and lifestyle change, without the long-term commitment of ownership,” Reid adds.
Car change? Carwow!
Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.
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