A "School Street" in Oldham has become the first in Greater Manchester to roll out an automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) camera to enforce the rules.

The scheme, which is in effect at Hey with Zion Primary School and St Edwards RC Primary School, both based on Rowland Way in Lees, began in September after complaints from residents.

A School Street introduces limits to the vehicles which can enter during drop off and pick up times.

Those living along Rowland Way and surrounding streets were concerned about the "dangerous" behaviours they saw at school drop-off times.

One woman even claimed she was "punched" by one of the parents after she asked them to move their car.

Residents also said parents were parking on their driveways and mounting kerbs and almost hitting playing children. 

Last Monday (October 8), the council announced the installation of the ANPR camera and that it has now gone live. 

The camera will be reading the number plates of cars that enter the street during the restricted times.

If the camera detects a number plate of a vehicle which is not permitted to travel into the street, the driver will be sent a warning on their first offence.

If the same driver breaks the rules of the scheme again, they are then given a fine.

There are various exemptions to the restrictions to the scheme including residents, businesses and staff, all school staff and carers of friends or family who live in the restricted area.

Permits are also granted to emergency vehicles, blue badge holders and waste vehicles. 

Those exempt, however, must have applied and been given a valid permit before they can travel in the area, otherwise they too will be subjected to warnings and fines.

It is the first scheme in Greater Manchester utilising an ANPR camera as an enforcement technique for a "School Street".