Cracking Down on Dangerous Parking Outside Schools

Works are underway on the installation of parking enforcement cameras outside schools across Bedford Borough, with cameras going in at all schools where this enforcement against dangerous and unlawful parking is possible. This major expansion in the number of fixed enforcement cameras will see another 38 installed at all schools where feasible.

The £650,000 cost of the installation of the new cameras is being met from in-year savings in delivering this year's budget. The Council already had a dozen of the cameras in place, and thanks to the popularity of them with head teachers and parents, the scheme is being expanded as far as possible, right across the Borough.

The fine payable for tickets issued via the cameras is £70 (reduced to £35 if paid within 14 days.)

The Council used to operate a parking enforcement camera car which was targeted mostly at schools, but new rules introduced by the government in 2014 restricted their use so narrowly that use of the car was no longer viable. However, head teachers and parents want enforcement action outside schools to help children stay safe, hence this major programme of camera installations at schools across the borough.

Commenting, Mayor Dave Hodgson said: "The safety of children and all road users outside schools is an absolute priority for us. We simply have no tolerance for selfish parking which endangers children and young people. They deserve to be able to travel to and from school safely. And their parents deserve to have peace of mind that there is a permanent deterrent in place, and that those who would jeopardise their children's safety in this way will face enforcement action. We want the message to go out loud and clear: do not park unlawfully outside schools in Bedford Borough, or you will be fined."