Schools urged to support problem parking initiative

SCHOOLS are still being encouraged to sign-up to a scheme to combat the problems of inconsiderate parking.

The county council’s 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.

Since it launched in September 2018, the scheme has seen 57 schools sign up, with a further 23 schools set to join the scheme later this year.

Locals schools already part of the scheme include Diseworth Primary School, Holywell Primary School in Loughborough, Sileby Redlands Community Primary School, Swithlands St Leonard’s Primary School, Hall Orchard Primary School in Barrow Upon Soar and Rendell Primary School, Loughborough, Beacon Academy, Loughborough; Hathern Primary, Hathern; Highgate Community Primary, Sileby; Mountfields Lodge, Loughborough; Newcroft Primary, Shepshed.

Local schools lined up to join the scheme later this year include Seagrave Village Primary, Seagrave; St Bartholomew’s Primary, Quorn; Outwoods Edge Primary, Loughborough.

The authority says it has received positive feedback from the scheme so far and is asking other schools to register an interest in time for the scheme to run again in September this year.

Coun 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 would be great to see more schools get involved and I would urge them 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 will continue with 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 zigzag markings.

Since the beginning of September, 22 warnings have been issued and 91 penalties have been processed to motorists parking illegally.

Coun 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 on-street 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 by Friday, March 1.