A primary school in Kent plans to fine parents who turn up late to pick up their children.

Holy Trinity in Gravesend will issue a £1 charge per pupil every five minutes after 3.40pm.

Social services will also be contacted if a child remains uncollected at 4pm.

We asked people on Facebook whether this is a good way of ensuring parental responsibility or, as the unions say, this is a “punitive” approach which helps nobody.

Do you think it would work in Colchester?

Sheryl Dunningham said: “Many parents have been late on occasion due to circumstances beyond their control. However, for those parents who consistently turn up late, in no rush & with no apology this may be a solution. In addition to affecting staff, who have meetings/planning/ tasks after school what effect is such lateness having on their poor child who sees all their friends collected but not them?”

Stacey Farrington said: “Think it’s a great idea. Teachers have lives too. Most schools do after school clubs so if you can’t do 3 then do 4.”

Sam Ashley said: “It's more important that a child is on time for school in the mornings. Otherwise they miss out on the routine, miss out on the well planned settling down period, so that they are calm and happy, and ready to learn.”

Jo Lane said: “How about the 3 or 4 days a week i stand outside with a 1 year old and his class comes out at 3.15pm.... 15 mins later than should be....? Sod making appointments for after school these days.. especially when its taking up to 50 mins to get home due to roadworks!!”

Shelley Anderton added; “In Colchester the way the traffic is I can see many parents who work or have to use a car or public transport being fined. And sadly in this day and age even a £1 fine may mean someone doesn’t eat well...”

Edmund Walker said: “With the state of traffic in Colchester at the minute such a charge would be mad. Also, very punitive on working parents which seems like an odd group to try and punish.”

Aimee Rennie added: “Our afterschool club would add additional charges for 'persistent lateness' and so they should. The hours are very clear, as they are for the end of a normal school day. The staff don't want to be sat around waiting for parents who are consistently late so a small fine would perhaps be a deterrent to stop that happening. If you can't make school pick up times on time, then make other suitable arrangements.”

Joanne Marchington said: “I think it's fair. The staff need to get home too. Often having to collect their own children from childminders.”