Traffic cameras to be installed outside two schools in Liverpool

The cameras aim to improve air quality and road safety and encourage sustainable travel

Traffic cameras are set to be installed outside two primary schools in a bid to stop dangerous driving.

The cameras are expected to be up and running at Greenbank Primary School and Much Woolton Primary School in south Liverpool by next year.

The plans form part of a wider rollout of new traffic cameras across the city.

Liverpool City Council has installed a number of automatic number plate recognition cameras as part of new enforcement powers.

The first cameras are located in Lime Street from London Road and Ranelagh Street at Brownlow Hill, with several more being installed on major city centre roads including the Strand.

Drivers waiting too long at yellow box junctions, undertaking banned turns and misusing bus gates could face a £70 fixed-penalty charge (PCN) under the new scheme.

The council said there would be a six-month grace period to allow the new system to "bed in" and for drivers to get used to it.

During this time, the city council will issue warning notices for first-time moving traffic contraventions.

Councillor Nick Small said the scheme would help reduce congestion

Councillor Nick Small, cabinet member for the economy, denied the council was using motorists as a cash cow to generate income for the authority.

"This is about more effective enforcement to change driver behaviour," he said.

"This will help people travel around the city centre quicker, but we also have a real issue with air quality in Liverpool, especially in the city centre.

"This scheme will reduce congestion."

Greenbank Primary School and Much Woolton Primary School currently run "School Streets", where cars are prohibited outside schools during the school run.

At the moment, teaching staff, parents and volunteers operate a temporary closure of the roads outside the schools twice a day.

Mr Small said the voluntary schemes were not working, adding: "I think we do need to have the fines and we do need to say to people who won't change their behaviour, if you don't change we will fine you."