School CCTV installed to tackle parents’ dangerous parking
CCTV cameras have been installed outside schools across Hillingdon to curb parents’ dangerous parking.
The Hillingdon Council initiative cost £1.7 million and is designed to stop parents parking on zigzag lines in front of primary and secondary schools in the borough.
Olympic gold medallist James Cracknell OBE helped launch the road safety scheme when he visited a school in Hayes last week.
Mr Cracknell, a double rowing gold medallist, was joined by Hillingdon mayor John Hensley, councillors and students at Dr Triplett’s Church of England Primary School, in Hayes, on Thursday September 29.
Sue Harratt, head teacher at the Hemmen Lane school, said: “We were very pleased to be invited to have it installed. Parking outside school is a constant problem with parents doing quick drop offs. Anything that deters people from parking precariously is helpful for children’s safety.”
The cameras automatically pick up drivers stopping on the zig-zag lines and issue a fine to anyone breaking the rules. CCTV has been installed at all of the schools in the borough which have the road markings outside.
They have also been put in place at Glebe Primary School, Ickenham, where parents are currently protesting new parking enforcement measures.
Pupils at the school were treated to a host of road safety lessons and given a masterclass in safely crossing the road.
Mr Cracknell is the London Road Safety Council president and gave his support to the idea.
He said: “If it’s enforced it’s good. There’s no point having [zig-zags] if you’re not going to have it enforced.
“It helps the neighbourhood too.”
The cameras were put in place across the borough over the summer break and have been up and running since the start of term in September.
Councillor Keith Burrows, the cabinet member for planning, transportation and recycling, said: “I’m really pleased it’s been officially launched.
“We going to keep all the children on their way to and from school safe.
“It’s an investment we were willing to take.”
Leader of the council, Councillor Ray Puddifoot, said the project is not to make money through fines but is instead to deter dangerous parking outside schools.