St James Church of England and St Mary's Primary School Streets

Update on the St James’ Church of England School Street and St Mary’s Catholic Primary School Street

School Streets create safer spaces around schools by reducing the number of motor vehicles near to the school gate. The decision to introduce the School Streets at St James’ Church of England School Street and St Mary’s Catholic Primary was made following a period of statutory consultation held in May 2022.

It was intended that these School Streets would be operated manually with gates and marshals, and both have been constructed to this design. Regrettably, it has not been possible to recruit the number of marshals required to operate the schemes safely.

The Council along with each school remain committed to creating a safer environment for everyone by implementing the School Streets at St James’ Church of England Primary School and St Mary’s Catholic Primary School Street. Given the challenges mentioned above, it has been decided to enforce these School Streets using Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras. It was always the intention that ANPR cameras would be used in the future. Please note that this is not a change to the traffic order, zone of operation or times of operation for each School Street, but the method in which the Council enforces the timed closure.

Some more works will be required to install the ANPR cameras. Residents have been informed of this change, and will receive further information regarding the upcoming works and when the cameras will become operational. Residents have also been notified about exemptions and how to apply if they are eligible. Dial-a-ride and emergency services vehicles will be able to access the School Street zone at all times.