Camera enforcement trial launches at two School Streets in Leeds

 Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras are now in operation at Chapel Allerton Primary School and Hugh Gaitskell Primary School to support the enforcement of School Street restrictions already in place. 

School Streets help create a safer and more pleasant environment for children and families by restricting motorised traffic and turning the space outside school gates into a pedestrian and cyclist-only zone during pick-up and drop-off times. 

There are currently 17 School Streets in Leeds, which aim to ease congestion outside school gates, making it easier and safer to walk, wheel and cycle to school while improving air quality 

Both schools involved in the new trial have operated School Streets for several years. Recent consultation with residents, local businesses, ward members and parents showed strong support for a more consistent and effective approach to enforcement, which the introduction of cameras will help deliver. 

The use of ANPR technology will help improve compliance with the current Traffic Regulation Orders by identifying vehicles entering the restricted zones at prohibited times and over time lead to a reduction in those disobeying the restrictions in place. The council’s Parking Services team will use monitored CCTV footage to verify potential contraventions. 

The restricted hours for each School Street are: 

• Chapel Allerton Primary School: 8:30am–9:15am and 2:35pm–3:35pm 

• Hugh Gaitskell Primary School: 8:20am–9:10am and 2:55pm–3:35pm 

National guidance published in November 2024 recommends the use of camera enforcement as a more effective way to ensure compliance compared with stewarded or barrier‑based approaches. 

To support the implementation of the cameras, the Travel Behaviour Change team, including Arlo the Owl, the council’s safe and sustainable travel mascot, is delivering a programme of activities at both schools, including led walks from dedicated park‑and‑stride locations to show families the safest places to park before walking or wheeling the rest of the way. 

Those that need to access the streets during restricted times such as residents, business owners, emergency services and blue badge holders are exempt and hold access permits so that they can continue to access the streets. More information about School Streets, including how to apply for an access permit, is available at: https://www.leeds.gov.uk/parking-roads-and-travel/school-streets 

Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for economy, transport and sustainable development, said:  

“Introducing camera enforcement at these two established School Streets is an important step in making sure the restrictions work as intended and continue to keep children safe. We know families value cleaner air and calmer streets around their schools, and ensuring consistent compliance will only strengthen those benefits. 

“School Streets play a vital role in supporting our Vision Zero ambition to eliminate serious and fatal road injuries by 2040. By reducing traffic at the school gates, we’re creating safer, healthier spaces for children and encouraging more families to walk or wheel their journeys.”