Council looks at another CCTV car to tackle parking outside schools

A third CCTV car could soon be patrolling the roads outside Nottinghamshire’s schools looking for parents who are parking illegally.

Nottinghamshire County Council already operates two camera enforcement cars and will be stepping up their efforts to keep children safe at drop off and pick up times as parents continue to ignore ‘School Keep Clear’ road markings.

The CCTV cars record illegal parking so they have the evidence to hand out £70 fines to drivers.

Last year more than 600 drivers were caught out and handed Penalty Charge Notices.

Councillor Philip Owen, chairman of the Children and Young People’s committee, said he was delighted that a third CCTV car would now be considered for approval at the council’s Policy committee in April.

Councillor Owen said: “Pupil numbers have increased over the past five years, and changes in pupil placement policies have resulted in some pupils travelling greater distances to schools usually by car.

“Illegal and bad parking outside schools is an issue that head teachers, school governors and local residents regularly express concerns about.

“Parking outside schools is a perceived danger rather than it actually resulting in child casualties. It is important, however, that parents and pupils crossing outside schools have a clear safe space to do so (School Keep Clear road markings) and this designated area is kept clear of parking through effective traffic management.”

The county council’s first camera enforcement car was introduced in March 2016, and the second in May 2018.

During 2018 more than 600 Penalty Charge Notices were issued by the council to cars parked on ‘School Keep Clear’ markings. The £70 penalty is reduced to £35 if paid within 14 days.

The council already uses other road safety measures such as advance school warning signs for motorists, 20mph speed limits outside school entrances, and school crossing patrol services.

The CCTV cars run at a slight loss but are cross-subsidised by income from other parking enforcement areas.

Schools can request the car to be outside the premises, and they are given information about the scheme to include in school newsletters.