PLANS to improve road safety and air quality on two streets close to local schools using new enforcement powers have been given the go-ahead by the city council.
Last year, Leicester City Council was awarded designated authority status by the Department for Transport. This gives the council permission to use camera enforcement to deal with so-called moving traffic offences.
Now the city council plans to use camera enforcement to penalise drivers who flout restrictions on Northfold Road and Eastcourt Road which border Overdale infant and junior schools, in Knighton.
Restrictions on the two school streets have been in place since an initial trial in February 2022 and prohibit access to motor vehicles during school run times – 8-9am and 2.30-4pm Monday to Friday - except for permit holders.
The measures were introduced at the request of local residents and the wider school community in an effort to improve air quality, road safety and traffic congestion at the beginning and end of the school day.
Despite being clearly signed, and legally backed by traffic regulation order, motorists have continued to contravene the restrictions on a regular basis.
The decision to use camera enforcement follows a consultation with local residents, parents at the Overdale schools and other members of the public.
Cameras are due to be installed and brought into operation in the coming weeks. Residents on the two affected streets affected, and eligible parents at the schools, will be contacted in advance to apply for exemption.
For an initial period of six months, first offences will result in drivers being issued with a warning notice.
Subsequent contraventions will result in drivers being issued with a penalty charge notice.
This will be charged at £70, or at discounted rate of £35 if paid within 21 days.
Cllr Geoff Whittle, assistant city mayor for transport and environment said: “Camera enforcement can be a very effective way of deterring motorists from committing traffic offences that are dangerous or obstructive for other road users.
“That’s why we’re introducing these measures to help enforce restrictions on two school streets close to Overdale infant and junior schools.
“The restrictions here were originally introduced following feedback from local residents and families at the schools and it’s important that we do whatever we can to discourage people from ignoring them.”
Under the Traffic Management Act 2004, councils can apply to the Government to take on the responsibility for traffic offences, by applying for a designated authority status. This gives councils powers to enforce areas such as box junctions, one-way streets, no-entry signs or other prohibited traffic movements, along with bus lanes, cycles lanes and pedestrian zones for example.