CCTV Cameras Planned for School Parking Enforcement in Lincolnshire

Lincolnshire County Council has announced plans to install permanent CCTV cameras at 10 school locations to address problematic parking on adjacent roadways. The council stated that this £200,000 initiative would initially target a “priority list” of sites situated in Lincoln, Boston, Sleaford, Gainsborough, and Crowland. These cameras are designed to enable operators to monitor “keep clear” zones in real time, areas where vehicles are prohibited from stopping, waiting, or parking. The proposal received unanimous approval during a recent meeting of the council’s Highways and Transport Scrutiny Committee. Jonathan Evans, who serves as the head of highways client and contractual management service, informed the committee that the chosen sites were selected based on “historic data.” He elaborated, stating: “This has been data-led based on the number of parking charge notices that have been issued.” He added: “These sites are the ones that are deemed the highest risk in terms of safety.” Parents collecting children at St Giles Academy in Lincoln, which is among the schools slated to receive the new cameras, expressed their support for the initiative to the BBC. Brendan Kelly commented: “I was hit by a car as a child. It was my own fault, so I’m constantly holding onto my lad.” He continued: “If you double-yellowed the whole section I would be well happy with it.” Another parent, Stacey Talbot, remarked: “Its about time. I have known quite a few people that have nearly been hit by cars.” Prince Durunna further stated: “[Drivers] just park anyhow and sometimes the cars that are coming might not see a child.” He concluded: “If they do it, it will keep law and order, and also protect the children from harm.” Lincolnshire County Council indicated that the deployment of these new cameras is expected to “free up” resources, including mobile CCTV units and enforcement patrols, allowing them to focus on other school locations. Mr Evans commented: “What is really positive is that we will have more capacity. It should be an improvement at all levels and it should give us more resource to tackle issues elsewhere.” The report is now scheduled to be forwarded to Richard Davies, the executive councillor for highways, transport and IT, for his final approval. The initial cameras are anticipated to be operational by April of the upcoming year.