New powers to fine drivers who break traffic rules near two Leicester schools will come into force next week. Leicester City Council has announced camera enforcement will begin on two streets where existing restrictions are regularly being ignored.
The restrictions, which ban vehicles during school run times between 8am and 9am and 2.30pm and 4pm Monday to Friday, have been regularly flouted despite clear signage, the council said. The measures affect Northfold Road and Eastcourt Road, which border Overdale infant and junior schools in Knighton.
The new enforcement powers will begin on Tuesday, January 7, with drivers set to receive warning notices for first-time offences during an initial six-month period. The council said subsequent breaches will result in £70 penalty charge notices, reduced to £35 if paid within 21 days.
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Residents on the affected streets and eligible parents have been invited to apply for exemption from the restrictions. The decision follows a public consultation carried out in the summer of 2024.
Councillor Geoff Whittle, Assistant City Mayor for Transport and Environment, said: “Camera enforcement can be a very effective way of deterring motorists from committing traffic offences that are dangerous or obstructive for other road users.”
He added: “That’s why we’re introducing these measures to help enforce restrictions on two school streets close to Overdale infant and junior schools. The restrictions here were originally introduced following feedback from local residents and families at the schools and it’s important that we do whatever we can to discourage people from ignoring them.”
The council said it has powers to enforce these restrictions under the Traffic Management Act 2004, which allows local authorities to take responsibility for traffic offences.
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