A bold move is being proposed to ensure the safety of our children: using cameras to enforce driving bans near schools during pick-up and drop-off times. This idea, which has sparked fresh calls for action, aims to tackle the traffic dangers faced by students.
Norfolk County Council is considering this approach, inspired by successful implementations in other regions. Council leaders are actively monitoring the use of automatic number plate recognition cameras to enforce restrictions around schools.
The proposal follows an 18-month experiment by the council, which introduced timed road closures around several schools. This initiative, known as School Streets, aimed to create safer travel routes for children. However, a lack of volunteers to manage road closures led to the suspension of two schemes and the cancellation of three more.
But here's where it gets controversial: the idea of using cameras to enforce School Streets has been revived. Ben Price, a Green county councillor, highlights the success of camera-enforced school street schemes in London's Hackney borough, where traffic danger was significantly reduced and the scheme became self-funding through enforcement.
Parents at Lionwood Junior and Lionwood Infant schools in Norwich have been advocating for safer streets near their children's schools. Mr. Price urges Graham Plant, the council's cabinet member for highways, transport, and infrastructure, to pursue government funding for a Hackney-style camera-enforced school street scheme at these schools.
Mr. Plant acknowledges the council's monitoring of national trials and their own School Streets trials, as well as the anticipated launch of the government's local transport plan and outcome framework. He emphasizes the need for clearer guidance and resources from the central government to expand initiatives that improve school safety and reduce traffic risks.
This proposal raises important questions: Is this an effective way to ensure children's safety? Could it lead to a safer and more efficient school run? What are your thoughts on this controversial idea? Feel free to share your opinions in the comments!
