Traffic cameras to enforce school-run road closures

The school street scheme was put in place in 2022, Leicester City Council said

A council says traffic cameras will be installed to monitor drivers who "flout" restrictions on roads near two schools.

Leicester City Council introduced travel rules in Knighton in February 2022 to prohibit drivers accessing Northfold Road and Eastcourt Road during the school-run.

It was an effort by the authority to improve road safety, congestion and air quality near Overdale Infant and Junior Schools, which sit on the same site.

But the authority said drivers continued to contravene the travel rules on a "regular basis" - and gave the green light to enforcement cameras.

Access to Northfold Road and Eastcourt Road is banned between 08:00 BST and 09:00, and 14:30 and 16:00 from Monday to Friday, except for those with a permit.

The decision for enforcement cameras follows consultation with residents and parents at the school, and the cameras will be installed in the coming weeks.

Penalty charge

Residents on the two affected streets, and eligible parents at the schools, will be contacted in advance to apply for exemption.

The council says for the first six months, first offences will result in motorists being issued with a warning notice.

Subsequent contraventions will result in a penalty charge of £70, discounted to £35 if paid promptly.

Councillor Geoff Whittle, assistant city mayor for transport and environment, said: "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."