Car ban pilot near three Solihull schools approved Published duration 26 February 2016

media caption Scenes like this are common during the school run

Motorists will be banned from driving near three schools during drop-off and pick-up times in a council trial.

A pilot scheme was approved by Solihull Council on Thursday after complaints of parents blocking residents' drives and parking on grass verges.

Some parents say this is unfair on those who work and are pressed for time.

The council says safety is its priority.

All schools in Solihull will be invited to take part, but only three will be selected for the experiment, which begins in 2017.

The exclusion zone will be enforced in the morning and afternoon during the school run.

Motorists who ignore the ban could face fines of £70.

'Pavement parking'

Councillor Ted Richards said the council has had numerous complaints from residents near schools of parents blocking their drives, parking on pavements and grass verges.

Over the years the council has tried to encourage parents to walk to school or park in nearby cooperating car parks and pubs.

However, some parents interviewed outside Greswolde Primary on Thursday said the plan is unfair on those who are working and limited for time during the school run.