Hinckley Times

Growing number of drivers caught out by school parking watchdog

- By STAFF REPORTER

MORE than 500 fines were handed out in 12 months in an effort to make the roads safer during the school run.

Leicesters­hire County Council issued a total of 501 penalties to drivers caught by its two camera enforcemen­t cars.

A spokesman said: “The first priority on the roads around schools is the safety of children.

“The enforcemen­t of school keep clear markings aims to help change parking behaviour, resulting in safer roads for all.” Between January last year and this year, the cars patrolled 167 schools. Drivers parking on school keep clear markings received a £70 fine. Schools with persistent safety concerns were visited more often. Councillor Ozzy O’Shea, cabinet member for highways, transporta­tion and flooding, said: “We know parking

We will penalise those who without care for others, handing out almost two fines for every school day in the last year Ozzy O’Shea

around certain schools is a longrunnin­g 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.”

The enforcemen­t cars use automatic number plate recognitio­n technology to collect evidence and GPS to recognise where parking restrictio­ns begin and end.

The money from the fines go to the running costs of the vehicles.

 ?? ?? Cllr Ozzy O’Shea with one of the county council’s camera cars
Cllr Ozzy O’Shea with one of the county council’s camera cars

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