Camera car focuses on safety of pupils

A SCHEME to stop dangerous parking takes to the streets of Oldham next week - thanks to a schoolgirl who voiced her concerns in the Chronicle.

Oldham Council’s new school safety vehicle will patrol from Monday thanks to 11-year-old Casey Devine. The former Hey with Zion pupil wrote to the Chronicle and Oldham Council last year asking for cars using the road to be monitored because she didn’t feel safe walking to school. The new vehicle will tackle dangerous parking.

Councillor Dave Hibbert, cabinet member for housing, transport and planning, said: “Many local schools and residents suffer from the behaviour of thoughtless drivers who use restricted zones when dropping off and collecting children. If you are breaking the law, we will take action.”

Last year more than 50 children were injured on the borough’s roads.

The car will issue warning notices for two weeks, after which £70 penalty notices will be handed out for breaking parking laws.