Contravention Code 48 — Stopped on a Restricted Area Outside a School

Last updated: March 2026

School keep-clear zones exist to protect children, and enforcement is taken seriously. If you have received a code 48 PCN for stopping outside a school, the penalties are at the higher level — but defences are available, particularly around the times of enforcement and the condition of the markings.

What Does Code 48 Mean?

Contravention code 48 is a higher-level contravention issued when a vehicle stops on a school keep-clear marking during its enforceable times. Like bus stop clearways, the word “stopped” is significant — you do not need to leave the vehicle for this contravention to apply. Simply pulling over on the markings is enough. The penalty is £70 outside London or £130 in London, with a 50% early-payment discount.

School Keep-Clear Markings

School keep-clear zones are marked with yellow zig-zag lines on the road and an upright sign showing the restricted times. The markings are typically found directly outside the school entrance. The restriction usually applies during school drop-off and pick-up times — for example, Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 9:30 am and 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm. Some councils apply the restriction throughout the school day.

Enforcement is increasingly done by CCTV cameras, meaning PCNs are posted to you rather than placed on the windscreen. This makes it important to check the time and date on any CCTV evidence carefully.

Common Defences

Outside Restricted Hours

School keep-clear markings only apply during the times shown on the accompanying sign. If you stopped outside those hours — for example, during school holidays, on a weekend, or before or after the stated times — the PCN is invalid. Check the sign carefully, as some councils set wider time windows than others. Note that if the sign says “as shown on sign” but no sign is present, the restriction cannot be enforced.

School Holiday or INSET Day

Some school keep-clear restrictions are worded as applying “on school days” rather than fixed dates. If the contravention allegedly occurred during a school holiday, half-term, or teacher training day when the school was closed, and the signage specifies “school days only,” you have a strong defence. Obtain the school's term dates to prove the school was not in session.

Faded or Missing Markings

The yellow zig-zag lines must be clearly visible for the restriction to be enforceable. If the markings are badly faded, partially covered by leaves or debris, or missing entirely, a reasonable motorist may not have known the restriction existed. Photograph the markings and compare them with the TSRGD requirements.

No Accompanying Sign

School keep-clear zig-zag markings must be accompanied by an upright sign specifying the restricted times. Without this sign, the restriction is unenforceable. If the sign was missing or so damaged that the times were not legible, the PCN should be cancelled.

Dropping Off a Disabled Child

While there is no automatic legal exemption for dropping off a disabled child on school keep-clear markings, councils and tribunals often exercise discretion in such cases — particularly if the school does not provide a suitable alternative drop-off point and the child's disability necessitates door-to-door access. Include medical evidence and a letter from the school if applicable.

Emergency Circumstances

If you stopped due to a medical emergency, vehicle breakdown, or at the direction of a police officer, these constitute valid defences. Provide supporting evidence such as medical records or breakdown receipts.

What Are Your Chances of Success?

Code 48 appeals succeed at a moderate rate. The strongest cases involve enforcement outside restricted hours (particularly during school holidays) or missing signage. Marking defences also succeed where the zig-zags are genuinely faded. CCTV evidence challenges can be effective if the footage timestamps are inaccurate or the footage does not clearly show the markings. At tribunal, adjudicators take child safety seriously but still require the council to prove the restriction was properly signed and in force.

Related Guides

• How to Appeal a Council Parking Ticket (PCN)
• Traffic Penalty Tribunal — How It Works
• Contravention Code 47 — Stopped on a Bus Stop
• Contravention Code 99 — Stopped on a Pedestrian Crossing