Safer parking for Plymouth's schools

CCTV - Camera enforcement at problem areas

Plymouth City Council has purchased a CCTV vehicle in order to address problem parking, such as school entrances, where motorists are putting the safety of others at risk and causing unnecessary congestion.

How does CCTV camera enforcement take place?

The camera is controlled by trained operators, who are already experienced Civil Enforcement Officers. They will observe and video record vehicles parked in contravention of the parking restrictions and log the details. The officer/s will then review each case and decide if a parking contravention has occurred.

Warning signs and visibility

The operation of the CCTV vehicle, including the necessary warning signs, meets strict Government guidelines. The car has an 11ft mast on top of it as well as large markings to identify it as CCTV. It is clearly visible to all motorists.

Identifying problem areas

School keep clear - yellow 'zig-zags'

The Council has identified problem areas. They are:

• School keep clear - yellow zig-zag markings
• Bus stop clearway lay-bys
• Pedestrian zig-zags at locations within the city

The school keep clear yellow zig-zag markings outside Plymouth's schools are a common feature and are there for the safety of pupils, staff, and local traffic. These road markings and signs help protect pupils by giving them clear sightlines when crossing roads outside their school. They also create clear sightlines for passing motorists.

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

This year's school census showed that over 52 per cent of children walk to school and in Plymouth walking is the most popular way to get to school. In the past few years the numbers of children walking to school has increased and is now above the national average.

How the scheme will work

Before the CCTV vehicle starts issuing Penalty Charge Notices (PCN) selected schools will be provided with an explanatory parental letter informing them that drivers will face fines of £70 if they continue to park irresponsibly outside the school entrance.

• During the first week of the campaign high profile 'policing' will be in evidence with leaflets being passed to parents/guardians by Police Community Support Officers outside the school to promote the 'Safer Parking' inititive.
• A visit will also be made by the Council's new CCTV vehicle. No PCN will be issued at this time.
• In the following couple of weeks warning notices will be given to motorists who continue to park in the problem areas.
• Finally, if motorists ignore the warnings PCNs will be issued and sent to the address of the registered keeper of the vehicle by post within approximately 14 days from the date of the alleged contravention.
• The PCN will be accompanied by photographic evidence of the contravention being committed.

Other contraventions the Council's CCTV vehicle will be targeting are:

• Stopping/parking in a bus stop clearway lay-by
• Stopping/parking in a restricted loading area
• Stopping/parking on the white zig-zags near a pedestrian crossing
• Stopping/parking on the footway/parking on the footway

Appeals

If you do receive a PCN and you think you have a valid reason to appeal against it visit the parking tickets and fines page for information about how to appeal and the appeals process.

Blue badge holders

Procedures are in place to ensure that PCNs are not given to blue badge holders, where their badge gives them permission to park. Blue badge holders can not park on school keep clear yellow zig-zag markings. Please refer to the Blue badge Scheme: rights and responsibilities in England booklet for further guidance. To obtain a copy of the booklet please call The Blue Badge Team on 01752 308921 or email bluebadge@plymouth.gov.uk.

Enforcement and penalties

Drivers who stop or park on the road markings could face the following:

• A penalty charge notice (PCN)
• Their vehicle reported for removal and taken to the vehicle pound
• A charge to recover their vehicle

Our commitment to safer school travel

With so many children walking to school, we know traffic danger is something parents are concerned about - school gates should be safe places. This initiative will play a key role in achieving our ambition to make going to and from school a safer experience for everyone.