School Street scheme

For the Council to be able to enforce the School Streets schemes effectively the Council intends to use its Moving Traffic Enforcement powers.

The restrictions we have installed are shown on street by traffic signs (at the entry points to the School Streets). Drivers that ignore the restrictions are reducing the effectiveness of the scheme and the safety of the users of the area, especially the children going to and from school. It is an offence to enter a School Street without a valid school street permit or exemption.

In the past only the Police had the powers to enforce these types of ‘moving’ restrictions. However, it is difficult for the Police to manage this alongside all their other priorities. As a result in 2023 the Council applied for and was granted authority to undertake enforcement of Moving Traffic Contraventions for the first time alongside the Police.

The Police can issue a £50 fixed penalty notice (FPN) fine to anyone caught driving in the zone when the restriction is in place.

From the start of the new school year in September 2024, we will be introducing and using Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras to aid monitoring and compliance of all our School Street locations. If evidence from these cameras show a consistent level of non-compliance with the restriction, cameras may be used for enforcement purposes (after a minimum of six weeks monitoring and consultation has taken place).

If this option is taken, the fine for this offence would be £70, reduced to £35 if paid within 21 days. If the fine is ignored the penalty would increase. There would be a right of appeal if issued and you believed the PCN should not have been issued.

The transition to an enforcement camera system must be demand and evidence-led and requires the introduction and use of a virtual electronic permit system. It does however offer the potential to significantly aid the effectiveness of School Streets schemes and may help to meet the objectives of reducing traffic in and around the school gates and encouraging active forms of travel to school.

The benefits of the Council also having the power to enforce moving traffic restrictions include:

• Aiding operation of schemes
• improving pedestrian and cyclist safety
• reducing congestion
• improving journey times for public transport
• improving safety around schools

How and where would we use our Moving Traffic Enforcement Powers? 

Enforcement would be undertaken using Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) camera technology. Fines would be sent by post to drivers who continue to ignore restrictions i.e. drive into the area during the times that the restriction is in force.  

We will use our Moving Traffic Enforcement powers at all five Coventry School Street locations.  These are:

• Cardinal Wiseman Secondary School – On Potters Green Road from the junction at Frankwell Drive to Woodway Lane
• Ravensdale Primary School – On Ravensdale Road
• Stanton Bridge Primary School – On Oliver Street from the junction with Freeman Street to its cul de sac end.
• Southfields Primary School – On East Street (between Napier Street & Paynes Lane) and South Street (between East Street and Read Street)
• Templars Primary School – On Knights Templar Way, Monk’s Field Close, Lomsey Close

If you would like to make a comment about using our Moving Traffic Enforcement powers at these locations, or let us know of your support, please email us at schoolstreets@coventry.gov.uk.