New CCTV enforcement car introduced by council for Ellesmere Port schools

Keep clear zones outside schools are to be the first target of Cheshire West and Chester Council’s new CCTV enforcement cars.

The council will launch the first vehicle this week to address road traffic congestion, improve road safety and tackle inconsiderate motorists who park illegally.

Cllr Lynn Riley, Community and Environment Executive Member said: “All local authorities have a duty to tackle dangerous parking and CCTV camera enforcement has been very successful in areas throughout the UK in addressing this issue, particularly outside schools.

“We have looked carefully at the lessons learned by other councils which have introduced CCTV cameras to address the issue of inconsiderate motorists and believe we have developed the right approach.”

The scheme, launched in Ellesmere Port this week, will work with a number of local schools which have experienced problems with inconsiderate and often unsafe parking.

The enforcement vehicles use environmentally friendly ‘eco-flex’ technology to ensure low emissions.

Cllr Riley added: “We intend to be very open about where enforcement cars will be and when, this initiative is not about catching drivers out but about making the roads safer for everyone.

“A key part of the launch of this scheme, which will focus initially on dangerous parking outside schools, and will be about working with pupils, teachers and parents to develop safer walking to school initiatives.

“This year’s school census showed that 43% of children walk to school and in Cheshire West and Chester walking is the most popular way to get to school.

“With so many children walking to school, we know traffic danger is something parents are concerned about – school gates should be safe places not where children are in danger.”

by Gary Porter, Ellesmere Port Pioneer