NEWSROOM

The Telford & Wrekin Council pilot will focus on reducing unsafe parking within marked school keep clear zones, where vehicles stopping or parking can obstruct visibility, make crossing more difficult and create additional risks at busy drop-off and pick-up times.

The Council has received concerns from schools and local communities about parking behaviour outside a number of schools, particularly where vehicles can impede sight lines and affect the safe movement of pedestrians and traffic.

Monitoring and patrol activity has identified occasions where existing restrictions have not always been followed.

The pilot will take place at Wrekin View Primary School and St Patrick's Catholic School in Wellington, Moorfield Primary School and Newport Church of England Primary School in Newport, and Thomas Telford Secondary and Sixth Form.

As part of the pilot, the Council will use a range of measures to improve compliance with existing restrictions, including CCTV technology to help monitor keep clear areas where unsafe parking behaviour continues to be a concern.

Councillor Nathan England, Cabinet Member for Safer Streets and Better Housing, said:

"Every child should be able to travel to and from school safely. This pilot is about creating a safer environment outside school gates by keeping visibility clear and supporting safer crossing opportunities for children and families.

"The vast majority of motorists park responsibly and considerately. However, there are occasions when parking in keep clear areas can make it more difficult for children, parents and carers to move around safely.

"We want to work with schools, families and local communities to encourage safer parking behaviour and greater awareness of the existing restrictions. The use of CCTV is just one element of the pilot and will help us understand where further improvements may be needed.

"Our priority is to improve safety and compliance rather than issue penalties. However, where restrictions are repeatedly ignored and safety is put at risk, we will take appropriate enforcement action.

"This initiative supports our Child Friendly initiative, by putting children's safety and wellbeing first, and making sure they can get to and from school safely."

Motorists are reminded to observe road markings and signage and to avoid stopping within marked keep clear areas. 

Find out more about Child Friendly Telford and Wrekin online.