The pioneering 'School Streets' scheme, which bans vehicles when children are arriving and leaving, is to be made permanent and expanded.

The controls will remain in place at 12 schools, which have been operating a trial, while head teachers at other establishments across the Richmond borough are queuing up to join.

The scheme is designed to improve safety by cutting traffic, encouraging youngsters to walk or cycle, and reducing air pollution by keeping vehicles away from school gates.

However, the scheme, which uses Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras in some locations to identify vehicles breaking the rules, has proved to be controversial.

One of these cameras in Hampton Wick, around St John the Baptist junior, has been capturing an average of 200 vehicles a week, generating fines of up to £130 a time or £65 if paid swiftly.

This adds up to fine income from drivers of £13,000-£26,000 for each and every week during term time when the rules are in place.

The 12 schools are:-

• Orleans Primary, Hartington Road, Twickenham;

• St Stephen's C of E Primary School, Winchester Road, St Margaret's;

• Twickenham Primary Academy/GEMS, Colne Road, Twickenham;

• Stanley Primary School, Strathmore Road, Teddington;

• Hampton Infants and Nursery School, Ripley Road, Hampton;

• Holy Trinity CE Primary, Carrington Road, Richmond;

• Richmond Upon Thames School, Egerton Road, Twickenham;

• Jack and Jill Pre Prep School, First Cross Road, Twickenham;

• St John the Baptist CE Junior School, Lower Teddington Road, Hampton Wick;

• St Mary's CE Primary School, Amyand Park Road, Twickenham;

• The Russell Primary School, Meadlands Drive, Ham;

• Trafalgar Infants and Junior Schools, Elmsleigh Road, Twickenham;

One school - Hampton Hill Junior School, St James Avenue, Hampton Hill – is being removed from the scheme following opposition from parents and residents.

Consultation is continuing on whether to continue with 'School Street' controls around St Richard Reynolds Catholic College, Twickenham.

The decision to push ahead with the 'School Streets' scheme was made by Richmond Borough Council's Transport and Air Quality Committee this week.

The committee heard complaints from some councillors and residents that the signs designed to warn drivers about the operation of the scheme were inadequate. As a result, there has been resentment among residents and by-passers who have been caught out and fined.

Councillors agreed to look at improving how the scheme operates, which could include painting warnings on the road surface and using flashing lights. They are also to investigate reducing the time period that these schemes operate during the mornings and afternoons.

Residents in 'School Streets' have an exemption to the ban on vehicles. They can also apply for exemptions for visitors, including carers and delivery drivers, however there are complaints that this system is complex and cumbersome.

One Hampton Wick resident told the committee the way the scheme operates at the moment is a 'nightmare' and made some people feel like a prisoner in their own home. Another, heralded the scheme for dramatically improving the safety of surrounding roads for children, while calling for improvements to the warning signs for drivers and, potentially, the introduction of flashing lights or rising bollards.

Committee chairman, Cllr Alexander Ehmann, said some of the money raised through the fines is channelled back into transport schemes.

He said there is public backing for the 'School Streets', adding: "What we are hearing overwhelmingly from this exercise is supportive."

Looking ahead, he said: "My feeling is that this should gather some pace, because amongst the academic community in our borough there should be a great deal more interest in pursuing these schemes."

After the meeting, he tweeted: "Fantastic to have approved 12 permanent school streets. Forgive politics here, but elections DO make a difference. Years of Tory control in Borough resulted in 0 school streets. Lib Dems take charge & TWELVE with more to come."

Four schools currently under consideration, include Nelson Primary, Runnymede Close, Whitton; St Mary Magdalen's Catholic Primary, Worple Street, Mortlake; Thomson House School, Vernon Road, Mortlake; and St James Catholic Primary, Stanley Road, Twickenham.