Drivers face fines for breaching keep clear rules

Ivy Bank Primary School is one of four in Cheshire East to have traffic cameras

Drivers who ignore "keep clear" markings outside some schools in Cheshire risk being fined after the installation of traffic cameras.

Four schools in Knutsford and Macclesfield will have automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras installed to help enforce "no stopping" restrictions.

A fine of £35 - rising to £70 if not paid within 14 days - will be issued to drivers found to be in breach of the rules.

If the scheme proves successful, Cheshire East Council said it could be rolled out across the borough.

'Dangerous parking'

Ivy Bank and Marlborough primary schools in Macclesfield, as well as Manor Park and St Vincent's primary schools in Knutsford, will have the cameras installed within days.

The pilot scheme is being run in collaboration with Derby City Council, which operates the scheme in both its own and other areas.

The cameras operate during term-time only and properties and school grounds are obscured from the footage with a filter.

Councillor Mark Goldsmith, chair of Cheshire East Council's highways and transport committee, said: "Previous measures to stop dangerous parking have only had a temporary impact, so I am really pleased this scheme will operate throughout the whole school year.

"If this pilot scheme proves a success, we may expand the number of schools taking part across the borough."