Kids invited to name new camera car

Children are being asked to name the new camera car which will soon be on patrol in Bridgend County Borough to help tackle the problem of dangerous parking outside schools.

Using CCTV and automatic number plate recognition, the new vehicle will record any inconsiderate motorists who park their cars illegally on school ‘keep clear’ markings, or ignore other parking restrictions that put children at risk.

The car will be clearly marked and easily recognisable when it starts patrolling this summer, but needs a name.

All school pupils in years 1 and 2 are being invited to suggest names for the car, while children in years 3 through to 6 can get involved by designing a banner to promote the car outside schools. Entry forms are being sent out to all schools this week and both competitions will close on Monday 14 May.

We’d love children to name this camera car which will soon be making the school run safer.

All too often, there are drivers who disregard parking restrictions during drop off and pick up times, jeopardising the safety of children and parents. Their irresponsible actions can also cause unnecessary traffic congestion

Our parking team patrol all of the schools in the county borough as often as we can, but owing to the number of schools and the amount of vehicles, we find it very difficult to achieve a satisfactory level of compliance and safety.

Councillor Richard Young, Bridgend County Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities

Councillor Young added: “The new camera car is therefore a very welcome addition. I hope that it will prove to be a major deterrent, making drivers consider more carefully where they park their vehicles, and helping us to create a safer environment for all.”

Although the new camera car’s main purpose is to make schools safer, it will also be deployed to reduce dangerous parking in town centres and other hot-spot areas such as bus stops, pedestrian crossings, clearways and where loading is not allowed.