School Keep Clear Cameras - Improving Safety Outside Our Schools

Overview

📢 School Safety Camera Enforcement – Coming September 2025

South Tyneside Council is introducing camera enforcement outside selected schools to improve road safety and protect children. We’re reaching out to local schools, residents, and guardians to share details of the scheme and invite early feedback.

🚸 Why This Matters

Unsafe parking near school gates continues to put pupils, parents, and staff at risk. This initiative is part of our commitment to safer school journeys. By using cameras, we aim to:

• Reduce dangerous parking
• Encourage responsible driving
• Protect children and families

This is not about generating revenue—it’s about keeping children safe.

📅 What’s Happening and When

• Cameras go live: September 2025
• Warning period: Early September (no fines, just notices)
• Enforcement begins: Mid-September (Penalty Charge Notices issued for contraventions)

🛑 What You Need to Know

• Restricted zones: Vehicles parked in “School Keep Clear” areas during enforcement times will be fined. These areas are indicated by signs and yellow zig-zag markings.
• Privacy protected: Any residential properties captured on camera will be automatically blurred.
• Efficient enforcement: No need for on-site officers - resources can be used elsewhere.

📍 Where Will This Be Implemented First?

The first phase will cover schools at:

• Mountbatten Avenue / Solway Road, Hebburn
• Claypath Lane, South Shields
• Fort Square, South Shields
• Widdrington Avenue, South Shields

These locations were selected through a joint review by our Road Safety and Parking Enforcement teams. If successful, the scheme will expand to 16 schools, rotating termly.

💬 Have Questions or Concerns?

We welcome your feedback and are happy to answer questions. While this isn’t a formal consultation, your input helps us address concerns early. Please check our FAQs below.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the purpose of this scheme?
To improve safety outside schools by reducing illegal parking and increasing visibility for children.

2. When does enforcement start?
Mid-September 2025, after a short warning period in early September.

3. Who is affected?
Parents, guardians, school staff, local residents, elected members, and the wider public.

4. What happens if someone parks illegally?
They’ll receive a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) if caught in a restricted zone during enforcement times.

5. Is this just a money-making scheme?
No. The goal is safety, not revenue. The warning period is designed to educate drivers first.

6. Will there be any warnings?
Yes. For the first 1–2 weeks, only warning notices will be issued.

7. How will people be informed?
Through letters, school packs, press releases, social media, and this webpage.

8. What about privacy?
Footage of homes will be automatically blurred to protect residents’ privacy.

9. Will this reduce the need for enforcement officers?
Yes. Automated cameras allow officers to focus on other areas of need.

10. What if someone has concerns?
We encourage early engagement. Contact us via the details on this page.

11. What if the cameras don’t work properly?
We’re working closely with our providers to ensure a smooth rollout.

12. How will success be measured?
By tracking:

• Number of PCNs issued
• Reduction in offences
• Feedback from schools and the community

Why your views matter

We want to hear from you.

As part of our commitment to community engagement, we’re inviting residents, teachers, and guardians to share their views on the new school safety camera initiative. Your feedback will help us understand any concerns and address them early on.

📝 How to Have Your Say

Please take a moment to complete our short survey using the link below: