Liverpool Council announces crackdown amid ‘reckless’ motorists near city schools
Hundreds of drivers have failed to stop for school crossings in Liverpool since the turn of the year(Image: Ben Birchall/PA Wire)
Hundreds of “dangerous” drivers have failed to stop for a school crossing across Liverpool since the start of 2025. As young people start a new school term this week, the city council has confirmed it is to take further action to clamp down on the actions of “reckless motorists.”
Since the turn of the year, more than 430 “reckless” drivers have been caught going through a school crossing according to data released by the local authority. As a result, new mobile CCTV cameras are to be introduced at key sites.
This follows the installation of school street restrictions over the last 12 months that help calm traffic flow around pupil areas. The city council said the number of drivers failing to stop was becoming a “growing issue.”
A series of mobile cameras will now be moved between the worst-impacted locations across the city. This is part of a broader campaign to educate drivers about their legal responsibilities and to deter dangerous behaviour.
Footage captured will be used as evidence for prosecution where necessary against drivers illegally failing to stop when directed by a school crossing patrol officer. The patrols are there to protect some of the most vulnerable road users – children and families crossing the road to and from school.
The Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 makes it an offence not to stop when signalled by a school crossing patrol. Penalties can include a fine of up to £1,000, three penalty points, and even disqualification from driving.
The new initiative is in addition to the school streets restrictions which prohibit the use of cars on a temporary basis during peak times.
An ANPR camera on St Anne Street in Liverpool(Image: Liverpool Echo)
Restrictions have been already set up at Mab Lane Primary School, Much Woolton Catholic Primary School, Greenbank Primary School, St Michael in the Hamlet Community Primary School, Rice Lane Primary School, and St Gregory’s Catholic Primary School.
Councillor Dan Barrington, Liverpool Council cabinet member for transport and connectivity, said: “The safety of our children must be a top priority, and it’s deeply worrying that some drivers are ignoring the clear instructions of our school crossing patrol officers.
“These patrols are there to protect young lives, and failing to stop is not only illegal – it’s reckless.
“I fully support the introduction of CCTV at key sites to hold dangerous drivers accountable and to reinforce the message that this behaviour will not be tolerated in Liverpool.
“I urge all drivers to slow down near schools, be vigilant, and always obey the instructions of school crossing patrol officers.
“Together, we can make our roads safer for everyone.”