ANPR cameras put up near Wiltshire schools to tackle bad parking

Wiltshire school parking crackdown begins with ANPR cameras

ANPR cameras introduced near Wiltshire schools to tackle bad parking ANPR cameras have been installed near several Wiltshire schools as part of a pilot scheme aimed at encouraging safer parking and reducing problems around school drop-off and pick-up times. The cameras could result in drivers being fined if they stop in restricted areas during the morning and afternoon periods covered by the scheme. School Streets pilot targets parking problems The scheme is operating at Queen's Crescent Primary School in Chippenham, where parents said the streets had previously become quite chaotic around school pick-up. Headteacher James Essam said 411 families access the school site and that the large number of vehicles previously made the road very busy and unsafe for some families and children walking to the school. He also said there had been conflict between parents and local residents when cars were left over homeowners' driveways. The School Streets restrictions are designed to keep vehicles away from the school at set times in the morning and afternoon. Signs at the participating schools show that the vehicle restrictions operate between 8am and 9am and again between 2.30pm and 3.30pm. The pilot is also running at Aloeric Primary School in Melksham, Fynamore Primary School in Calne and Minster Primary School in Warminster. Wiltshire Council said the School Streets pilot will run for 18 months before a decision is made on whether the changes should become permanent. Exemptions available for some drivers Wiltshire Council leader Ian Thorn said parking on or around residents' driveways had been a common source of complaints and said the pilot would be used to assess whether the restrictions improve safety and air quality. The council will review the Safer Streets scheme and can make changes if necessary in the coming months. Drivers who need an exemption can apply in certain circumstances, including parents or pupils with medical needs and Blue Badge holders. The introduction of ANPR enforcement means motorists travelling near the participating schools will need to pay close attention to the restrictions and the times they apply. The pilot will now provide Wiltshire Council with an opportunity to assess whether the measures improve conditions for children, residents and people walking or cycling to school.