Changes to School Streets enforcement
We’re asking for your views on our plans to apply for new powers that would help us to better enforce our School Streets schemes, improving safety for children, parents and our school communities.
We can now apply for Moving Traffic Enforcement powers under Part 6 of the Traffic Management Act 2004.
If granted by the Department for Transport (DfT), these powers will allow us to use CCTV cameras to enforce the existing road restrictions at our School Streets locations.
There wouldn’t be any change to the road signage already in place.
Why we’re applying for these powers
Since 2021, working in partnership with schools, we’ve launched 15 School Streets schemes across Brighton & Hove.
They’re designed to support the safe movement of children and families travelling to and from school by creating an environment that enables and encourages more walking, wheeling, cycling and scooting during drop-off and pick up times.
Legally enforced timed restrictions enforce the School Streets ‘closure’, preventing vehicle access to the roads around schools. At the moment, only police can enforce them.
Read more about School Streets in Brighton & Hove.
Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of the council, school staff and volunteers, we continue to see a lot of drivers ignoring the restrictions. This is making some schemes unsafe and increasing congestion.
The introduction of Moving Traffic Enforcement would look to:
- improve safety for pedestrians and road users by discouraging dangerous driving
- reduce congestion and improve air quality around School Street schemes
- support and encourage active and sustainable travel
Schemes where CCTV enforcement would take place
- Aldrington CE Primary – Eridge Road
- Balfour Primary – Balfour Road and Loder Road
- Brunswick Primary – Somerhill Road
- Downs Infant – Florence Place
- Downs Junior – Grantham Road and Edburton Avenue
- Fairlight Primary – Hastings Road
- Hangleton Primary – Northease Drive and Dale View
- Hove Junior – School Road and Marmion Road
- Queens Park Primary – Freshfield Place
- St Luke’s Primary – Queens Park Rise
- St Nicolas CE VA Primary – Highlands Road
- St Paul’s CE Primary – St Nicholas Road and Church Street
- Westdene Primary – Barn Rise
- Saltdean Primary – School Lane
- St Mary’s RC Primary – Vale Gardens
How enforcement would work
Post consultation and if approved by DfT, we'd begin to use CCTV cameras to enforce the restrictions already in place. This would likely happen in early 2026.
There'd be a six-month period where drivers would, in the first instance, receive a warning notice if they contravened the restrictions. If the restrictions were contravened a second time, they would be issued a fine.
The charge for receiving a fine will be £70, reduced to £35 if paid in 21 days.
Phases
Frequently asked questions
What is a School Street?
School Streets are time-limited restrictions that reduce vehicle access on certain roads outside schools during drop-off and pick-up times.
These schemes aim to:
- reduce congestion and unsafe or illegal parking around school gates
- improve road safety during busy school travel times
- support cleaner air and healthier, more sustainable school journeys
By limiting traffic for one hour at the beginning and end of the school day, School Streets help create a safer surrounding for families travelling to and from school.
How will people be told if CCTV enforcement is being introduced?
Clear signs are already in place at the entrances to School Streets. These signs show the times when cars and other vehicles are not allowed.
Information will also be shared on our website to help keep everyone informed.
Letters will be sent by post to school staff and to residents who live within the School Streets area.
We’ll also encourage schools and local residents to let their visitors know about the vehicle restrictions when they're planning a visit.
When is CCTV enforcement expected to begin?
Subject to approval from the Department for Transport, enforcement powers may start from early 2026. Until then, the schemes will continue to operate as they are.
Who would be permitted access during restriction times, if enforcement is introduced?
If enforcement is approved, access would be permitted for:
- vehicles registered to an address on the street (including businesses and residents)
- Blue Badge holders (dependent on need to access a property on the street)
- Compass Card holders (dependent on need to access a property on the street)
- professional carers and carers for vulnerable residents (dependant on need to access a property on the street)
- emergency services vehicles on an emergency call
- utility providers on an emergency call
School staff, parents, delivery drivers, tradespeople, taxis and general visitors would not typically be granted access during the restricted times. However, requests for exemptions may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
How would exemptions be granted?
A permitted vehicles list will be created for eligible vehicles exempt from the timed restrictions at School Streets sites. Owners of exempt vehicles would need to register free of charge. More details about the exemption registration process would be provided closer to the implementation date.
Can deliveries still be made on School Streets?
School Streets operate for just two hours each day (one hour in the morning and one in the afternoon). Delivery times can be planned outside of these short restriction periods.
If my car is already parked inside the School Street when restrictions begin, can I drive out?
Yes. Vehicles parked within the street before the restriction can leave with care, even during the restricted times.
Will there be a warning period before fines are issued?
Yes. If enforcement powers are granted, there would be a six-month warning period. During this time, first-time offences would receive warning notices, not fines. This gives everyone time to adjust to the new system.
How much would a fine be?
If CCTV enforcement powers are approved, subject to a 6-month warning notice period, fines would be £70, reduced to £35 if paid within 21 days. This is in line with the government policy.
Would I receive penalty points on my driving licence?
No. School Street enforcement is not linked to driving license penalty points.