Over 500 penalty notices have been handed out in the last 12 months to drivers parking illegally around schools.
More than 500 civil penalty notices have been issued to drivers putting the safety of children at risk by parking illegally outside the gates of Leicestershire schools.
The penalties have been issued over 12 months by Leicestershire County Council’s two electric camera enforcement cars. They patrol 167 schools at picking up and dropping off times on a regular basis.
Schools with persistent safety concerns are visited with extra frequency to try and improve driver behaviour and tackle issues around inconsiderate parking.
Between January 2021 and January 2022, 501 penalties were issued to the keepers of vehicles parked on school ‘keep clear’ markings across the whole county. This number is substantially up on previous years.
Using automatic number plate recognition technology (ANPR), the cars collect the necessary evidence to issue a £70 Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) where an offence takes place.
The cars are equipped with an intelligent enforcement system that uses GPS to recognise where restrictions begin and end as the vehicle is driven though a restriction zone. All funds generated are put towards running the camera cars.
“We know that parking around certain schools in the council is a long running issue for parents, children and teachers and would encourage everyone to park safely and considerately.
As these figures show, we will penalise those who park dangerously or without care for others- handing out almost two fines for every school day in the last year.
When on the school run, consider using different ways to travel such as walking or cycling, if you can, to help relieve this problem and contribute towards the greener county we’re all aiming for. If you do need to drive, please remember to park safely and with care and consideration.”
Councillor Ozzy O'Shea, cabinet member for highways, transportation and flooding
School keep clear markings (zig zags) are designed to keep the space outside of schools free from parked vehicles so that children can be seen more easily when crossing the road.
The first priority on the roads around schools is the safety of children.
The enforcement of the school keep clear markings aims to help change parking behaviour, resulting in safer roads for all.