More schools in council parking scheme
Numerous primaries in borough part of enforcement scheme
SCHOOLS across the borough are still being encouraged to sign up to a county council scheme to combat the problems of inconsiderate parking.
The School Keep Clear scheme aims to address concerns that parents, residents and teachers have about parking during the school run by using a camera car to enforce mandatory zig-zag zones outside school entrances.
Many schools are yet to sign up. However, schools including Hinckley’s Westfield Infants and St Peter’s Catholic primary, joined the 68 schools in Leicestershire which became enforceable this month – just in time for the new school term.
Since it launched in September 2018, the scheme has seen 146 schools sign up, with a further 11 set to join the scheme later this year, subject to consultations.
The schools in the borough to have signed up include Westfield Infants and St Peter’s primary, both in Hinckley, Sketchley Hill Primary in Burbage and Barwell Infants.
Others to have signed up are Barlestone Primary School, St Margaret’s Primary School in Stoke Golding and St Peter’s Primary Academy and The Market Bosworth School, both in Market Bosworth.
Councillor Blake Pain, cabinet member for environment and transport, said: “We know that inconsiderate and dangerous parking outside schools can be a real problem, and we believe that the School Keep Clear scheme has gone some way to alleviate concerns in communities where we now enforce.
“It is great to see more schools getting involved and I would urge those that haven’t signed up to get in touch to find out more.”
The work involves ensuring traffic regulation orders are in place through upgrading mandatory signs and lines so the zones are enforceable.
Enforcement officers carry out their normal duties while the camera car is being used as part of the scheme. Using automatic number plate recognition technology, the car is used by officers to collect the necessary evidence to enable fines to be issued, via post, to drivers who park on zig-zag markings.
Since the beginning of the scheme, 22 warnings have been issued and 241 penalties have been processed to motorists parking illegally.
Councillor Pain added: “The trial isn’t about catching and fining motorists – we want people to stop parking inconsiderately near schools as it endangers the lives of pedestrians and causes a great deal of concern for schools and parents.
“We work closely with schools and colleges to improve issues around onstreet parking which involves providing help and guidance on school travel plans to help tackle the problem where necessary.”
If a school wants to be considered for future rounds of the School Keep Clear scheme, they should email SKCProject@leics.gov.uk