Data released under Freedom of Information Act show how many drivers are breaking new rules introduced to protect school pupils, reports James Cracknell
Car drivers continue to flout traffic restrictions imposed as part of new ‘school street’ schemes designed to protect pupils across Enfield.
Data obtained by the Dispatch under the Freedom of Information Act show that an average of 58 penalty charge notices (PCNs) were issued to drivers by Enfield Council on each school day in January, across 14 different school streets where automatic numberplate recognition (ANPR) cameras have been installed to restrict motor traffic.
School streets are designed to prevent car drivers from entering roads around the entrances to schools during times when pupils are either arriving in the morning or leaving in the afternoon – reducing air pollution and boosting road safety. The schemes have been rolled out across 17 primary schools in the borough since 2020, but had initially been enforced using temporary gates operated by volunteers.
Since the council began using ANPR cameras to enforce school street schemes, 15,054 PCNs have been issued as of the end of January this year, with only 336 being successfully appealed – amounting to a total of more than £725,000 in fines.
At most school street schemes the rate of PCNs being issued remained broadly steady throughout 2022, suggesting drivers are not learning to divert their usual routes past the school gates. A council spokesperson admitted it “can take time for people to adjust” but said the authority was “confident” drivers would alter their journeys over time.
There are also claims that the signage used to warn drivers about the traffic restrictions outside schools is inadequate and contributing to the high number of PCNs being issued. Ann Jones, who lives near the Cannon Road ANPR camera used to enforce the school street scheme outside St Monica’s Catholic Primary School in Southgate, said: “The council failed to install any advance warning signage for vehicles turning left from Cannon Hill.
“As a result drivers are turning in here not realising it is a school street, potentially endangering pupils and their family/carers walking, cycling or scooting on the street.
“For three years, the council failed to address the issue despite several London tribunal adjudications against it for inadequate signage/lack of visibility for drivers turning left.
“The council ignored these and continued to refuse appeals against PCN fines despite drivers providing detailed evidence of the lack of visibility of signs here.”
Ann said the council had told her it would now be installing an advanced warning sign after the issue was repeatedly highlighted on social media, but she added: “We should be celebrating the success of the school street scheme rather than the need for advance signage.
“Perhaps the council could regularly review the PCN fines/appeals at school streets and, where high numbers are issued, this could act as a warning that a signage review may be needed to protect our children.”
A council spokesperson said: “Enfield’s school streets have been a huge success with parents, staff, local residents and children showing ongoing support for the schemes which restrict vehicle access to roads around schools during drop off and pick up times.
“More pupils are choosing to walk, cycle or scoot to school creating a safer and more pleasant environment for all. A further three school streets were launched last month.
“The signage installed at motor vehicle closures points meet the requirements set out in the relevant regulations. These signs clearly indicate that motor vehicles should not pass through the restrictions at certain times of day and that camera enforcement is in place.
“Some schools also have a rota of volunteers at each entry point which acts as a further deterrent to vehicles entering during restricted times.
“As with any scheme of this nature, it can take time for people to adjust but we are confident that drivers will make necessary adjustments to their journeys as they become accustomed to the rules.”
School street fines issued in January 2023
- Haselbury (two cameras): 269 PCNs
- George Spicer (two): 192 PCNs
- Kingfisher (one): 175 PCNs
- Waverley (one): 130 PCNs
- De Bohun (two): 120 PCNs
- Raynham (two): 89 PCNs
- Worcesters (two): 71 PCNs
- Chase (one): 39 PCNs
- St Paul’s (one): 33 PCNs
- Oakthorpe (one): 32 PCNs
- Lavender (two): 24 PCNs
- St Monica’s (one): 14 PCNs
- Keys Meadow (one): 14 PCNs
- Meridian Angel (one): 13 PCNs
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