School to benefit from CCTV van to deter bad parkers

Eight county schools with parking problems are being targeted, including William Alvey Primary School on Eastgate in an effort to improve safety of pupils, crossing patrol staff and traffic flow.

The county council is supplying the van equipped with CCTV cameras to record motorists parking on the school safety zone. Registration plates recorded will be used to send fines to vehicle owners.

Coun Richard Davies, executive member for highways, said: “Pedestrians and children are put at risk by parents in a rush who park irresponsibly outside schools. Some parents park across nearby driveways, blocking residents in to their own properties. This isn’t fair and can cause a massive inconvenience.”

He said it was difficult for traffic wardens to catch drivers on ‘keep clear zig zags’, as they drop off their children and quickly leave, but they must be kept clear to keep children and pedestrians safe.

William Alvey School headteacher Stephen Tapley added: “We are always looking at ways of making the start and the end of the school day safer for the children who attend William Alvey. We are currently running a reward scheme for those parents who park in Eastgate car park and then walk to school.”

Year 5 children have been on their ‘Bikeability’ course recently too. Mr Tapley said: “The CCTV van will be another way we can help ensure the safety of our children. I’m all in favour of any scheme that helps with this.

“We welcome the recent visits from the local police. The Parking Wardens can be seen regularly outside the school.”

The Road Safety Partnership is recruiting for the school crossing patrol. For details call 01529 302772.