A consultation is set to be launched to see if residents want to make a narrow road one-way.

Richmond Avenue in Shoebury has seen angry motorists caught up in “Mexican standoffs” as there is almost no room for motorists to pass each other.

The situation is said to be endangering parents and youngsters at Richmond Avenue Primary School.

A petition was raised for a one-way system to alleviate the problems and now Southend Council traffic regulations working party will be asked to sanction the consultation when it meets on Wednesday.

The consultation will also include reducing the speed limit to 20mph.

Tony Cox, leader of the council, handed the petition in and described the road as “absolute carnage” with fights breaking out and people abandoning their cars to pick children up from the school.

A report to the working party asks it to agree “to progress a resident consultation on whether to make Richmond Avenue a one-way street from Caulfield Road to St Andrews Road with a 20mph speed limit.

“Subject to the outcome of the residents’ consultation, should it demonstrate support and gain approval by the cabinet committee, prioritise the scheme in line with council criteria for assessing road safety schemes”.