Manchester City Council is proposing to install automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras outside seven primary schools to enforce traffic restrictions during school drop-off and pick-up times. The 'school streets' scheme aims to reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, and make it safer for children to walk or cycle to school.
How the Scheme Will Work
The cameras will automatically check vehicles entering the restricted streets and issue fines to drivers who break the rules. Currently, most school streets are enforced through barriers and volunteers, but the council believes the camera system will be more effective and reduce pressure on school staff and volunteers.
Certain vehicles will be exempt from the restrictions, including local residents, businesses, Blue Badge holders, school vehicles, public buses, emergency services, and temporary exemptions for carers or waste collection.
Seven Schools Targeted
The seven schools proposed for the ANPR cameras are:
- Brookburn Primary School
- Manchester Communication Primary Academy
- Manley Park Primary School
- St Augustine's CofE Primary School
- St James' CofE Primary School
- St Paul's CofE Primary School
- Our Lady's RC Primary School
Consultation and Next Steps
The council has launched a public consultation on the plan, which closes on September 6. A council spokesperson said the scheme aims to 'reduce traffic outside schools and make the streets feel safer for families and kids.' The council was contacted for further comment.
