CCTV cameras to stop bad parking at schools

The new CCTV cameras will be installed at 10 sites in Lincoln, Boston, Sleaford, Gainsborough and Crowland

Permanent CCTV cameras are set to installed outside 10 schools to prevent bad parking on nearby roads, Lincolnshire County Council has said.

The authority said the £200,000 scheme would initially focus on a "priority list" of sites in Lincoln, Boston, Sleaford, Gainsborough and Crowland.

The cameras would allow operators to monitor "keep clear" zones in real time, where traffic is banned from stopping, waiting or parking.

The proposal was unanimously approved at a meeting of the council's Highways and Transport Scrutiny Committee earlier.

Jonathan Evans, the head of highways client and contractual management service, told he committee the selection of the sites had been made using "historic data".

He said: "This has been data-led based on the number of parking charge notices that have been issued.

"These sites are the ones that are deemed the highest risk in terms of safety."

Where will the cameras be installed?

• Boston West Academy, Boston

• St Thomas' CE Primary School, Boston

• Tower Road Academy, Boston

• Southview Primary School, Crowland

• Queen Elizabeth's High School, Gainsborough

• Sir Francis Hill Community Primary School, Lincoln

• St Giles Academy, Lincoln

• The Priory Witham Academy, Lincoln

• Manor Leas Primary School, Lincoln

• William Alvey C of E School, Sleaford

Stacey Talbot said she was concerned by the way some drivers park outside schools

Parents picking up children at St Giles Academy in Lincoln, one of the schools to receive the new cameras, told the BBC they welcomed the move.

Brendan Kelly said: "I was hit by a car as a child. It was my own fault, so I'm constantly holding onto my lad.

"If you double-yellowed the whole section I would be well happy with it."

Another parent, Stacey Talbot, said: "Its about time. I have known quite a few people that have nearly been hit by cars."

Prince Durunna added: "[Drivers] just park anyhow and sometimes the cars that are coming might not see a child.

"If they do it, it will keep law and order, and also protect the children from harm."

Prince Durunna said he welcomed the introduction of the cameras

Lincolnshire County Council said the installation of the new cameras would help to "free up" resources such as mobile CCTV and enforcement patrols to look at other schools.

Mr Evans said: "What is really positive is that we will have more capacity. It should be an improvement at all levels and it should give us more resource to tackle issues elsewhere."

The report will now be passed to Richard Davies, the executive councillor for highways, transport and IT, for final approval.

It is hoped the first cameras could be operational by April next year.

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