A “selfish” parent has been fined for twice breaching a public order by dropping off her child for school in a banned zone.

The woman was fined £330 for flouting the Schools Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) on two occasions outside Shepherd Primary School in Mill End - and failing to pay fixed penalty notices.

Three Rivers brought the prosecution, saying her actions “caused danger to other children and other drivers”.

On sentencing, the chairman of the magistrates, said: “This order is in place to ensure the safety of children, and you saving five minutes by breaching it isn’t going to help anyone if there is a serious injury or accident.”

Leader of the council, Sara Bedford, said: “Our Shepherd School PSPO is an important pilot to assess the effectiveness of using our powers under the Anti-social Behaviour Crime and Disorder Act to safeguard children from the selfish behaviours of parents who drive in a dangerous manner.”

Roger Seabourne, lead member for community safety and partnerships, said: “We are determined to find a way of making the school run safer for all children attending Shepherd Primary School. Parents that breach the order will receive penalties, and those that fail to pay them will be prosecuted.”

Claire Foad, head teacher of Shepherd Primary School, added: “We are grateful for the support of Three Rivers District Council in addressing the dangerous driving and parking that puts the lives and safety of so many children at risk.”