Cambridgeshire County Council is considering using ANPR cameras to enforce school streets, which restrict car movements at drop-off and pick-up times to reduce pollution and encourage walking and other active travel methods
CambridgeshireLive readers have heard that Cambridgeshire County Council is considering using cameras to enforce school street restrictions, which limit vehicle access during school drop off and pick up times. The measures are designed to reduce traffic and pollution around schools while encouraging walking and other forms of active travel.
The council’s highways and transport committee has been asked to approve a report setting out plans to use cameras to enforce traffic restrictions. Officers said “initial planning work” had already begun on installing Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras to enforce turning restrictions on roads including Downing Street.
They are also exploring whether the same technology could be used to enforce school streets, although further assessment would be needed before any decision is made.
Cllr Darren Green, who represents Romsey, said he was “very, very happy” that the council was considering the move. He said: “We know already that school streets can be very fragile and rely on a lot of volunteer work, and best practice would be to back this all up with a camera system. “I hope going forward, once this is in place, that we can prioritise using cameras on school streets.”
However, Cllr Alex Beckett, chair of the committee, stressed that volunteers would continue to play an important role even if cameras were introduced. He said seeing members of the community volunteering to protect their local school can have a greater impact than relying solely on cameras operated by the council. He added that volunteers at some school streets had faced harassment, meaning cameras could ultimately prove a better option in those locations.
Commenter Poppythecat thinks: “This is a very sensible move, ANPR cameras should also be monitoring cycle lanes and fining any drivers driving in or parking on them. They should be sent a copy of the highway code with every fine handed out.”
Dragon33 disagrees: “I don’t get it. There is a swing gate in Norfolk st near St Matthew’s that stops cars going through anyway during school drop off isn’t there? So why have ANPR cameras? Seems like another Vinery Rd LTN in the making.”
Cotonboy48 adds: “In principle this is a good thing, but it will need greater resources to administrate any enforcements and will they be mandatory? Where is the financing coming from? The County Council seems to have little money for urgent road matters, let alone for another scheme. Perhaps have offenders’ cars impounded?”
Click2018 says: “So can you get in touch with my employers and tell them I won’t be in work till 10am and that all front line calls need to be on hold?! Ever think parents have to work and schools have strict drop off times? No, OK I’ll claim housing benefit from the council when I’m jobless!”
Lycralad90 suggests: “Why not get them to walk to school? If they need dropping off in a car you live too far from the school and your kids are in the wrong catchment area.”
Throatwobblermangrove thinks: “Another foregone decision masquerading as safety improvements. Monitoring school drop-off and pick-up times is one thing. But how long before the cameras and restrictions are quietly imposed 24/7, to feed the council’s mindless crusade against convenient transport?”
Tartan53 agrees: “Are the council up to their usual smoking mirror routine? Surely this is the first step in getting the hardware installed for a future congestion charge?”
Marty S adds: “Won’t be long before you’re having to pay just to pick your kids up from school in your car.”
Dominic G asks: “What is the legal basis for ‘school streets?’ I believe there isn’t one? So how can restrictions be enforced if they are not legal?”
Emma W replies: “Schools can apply to the council to close the street for a short while for drop off and pick up time. Usually monitored by either school staff or volunteer parents. Obviously the streets are not through roads. My previous school applied and as they were towards the beginning of a cul-de-sac, it was approved. Residents were able to go in and out, but tended to avoid the closed times just to make it easier for everyone.”
Cambridgeshire Live readers, what do you think? Should cameras be used to enforce school streets, or is this just another way of penalising parents who need to drive their children to school? Have your say in our comments section.
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