The mayor has been asked to bring in cameras to enforce ‘school street’ traffic restrictions in Trafford.

A text from a resident called Debbie was read out to Andy Burnham on last week’s BBC Radio Manchester hotseat show.

Debbie asked when cameras would be brought in to enforce the borough’s ‘school streets’ schemes, which currently rely on volunteers to enforce the rules.

‘School Streets’ see roads outside schools closed off to most motor vehicles at drop-off and pick-up times, during term time only.

In some places elsewhere in the country, number-plate recognition cameras enforce the rules.

The full question was as follows: “School streets in Trafford are being manned by volunteers who put in many hours to keep children safe, with the GMCA fund ANPR cameras for these projects before volunteers run out of time, energy, and goodwill.

“Why is the safety of the children in Trafford in their care in the hands of volunteers and it’s not being funded?”

Mayor admits ‘fair question’

The mayor said it was a ‘fair question’, and thanked Debbie and volunteers for their work.

He continued: “You’re raising a really good, fair point, and I think we should, in the end, be moving to the solution you describe. You can’t run everything on volunteers as you say.

“I think what we’re doing is seeing if these are supported and needed via the volunteers and then considering how we make them permanent.”

The mayor said he would put the point to Active Travel Commissioner Dame Sarah Storey and provide an update in the future.

He concluded: “Thanks for checking in with us, and thanks again for what you and the volunteers are doing.”

What are school streets?

‘School Streets’ are timed restrictions which see roads outside schools closed off to most motor vehicles at drop-off and pick-up times, during term time only.

School streets have been trialled or are planning to be trialled outside Flixton Primary School Urmston School, Seymour Park Community Primary, Tyntesfield Primary School, and Moorlands Junior School. They have also been trialled at other schools in the borough.

Under Trafford Council rules, those exempt from the restrictions are:

  • Emergency services vehicles, doctors or nurses on call, carers and support workers.
  • Public transport and taxis.
  • Postal and delivery vehicles serving properties within the school street zone.
  • School buses and school transport servicing the school in the zone.
  • Funeral corteges.
  • Tradespeople working on properties within the zone.
  • Residents who live within the zone.
  • Blue badge holders displaying their badge.

Those walking and cycling can still get through.