REPORTS of parking issues at school drop-off and pick-up times are reportedly filling the inboxes of Rochford Council councillors.
Danielle Belton, Conservative leader of the council, has said her administration is working hard to resolve issues of clogged up roads and unsafe parking and called on residents to report their concerns to the South Essex Parking Partnership (SEPP).
Under SEPP, some Rochford schools are already participating in a free permit scheme in the hope of encouraging use of car parks in the area.
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“As councillors we are getting a vast number of reports of parents blocking driveways and parking on pavements, bends, and double yellows and generally causing issues around the schools,” said Mrs Belton.
“I’m a busy mum, and had to deal with the school run so know how easy it is to pull over somewhere convenient, but the busier out areas get, the greater the risk to our children on these roads.
“As a council we are trying to support parents with initiatives such as Park and Stride and 30 minutes free parking.”
The Park and Stride scheme was introduced last year with the aim of improving road safety and reducing congestion around Rayleigh Primary School and has since been expanded to Hockley’s Westering’s Primary School.
Managed by SEPP, the scheme has seen parking permits offered for car parks in Rayleigh and has reportedly been a success in cutting parking disruption in the area.
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Mrs Belton added: “It’s normal as the weather worsens that more people drive but even so, our inboxes are full.
“The primary responsibility for parking enforcement in the district (other than carparks) lies with SEPP.
“It is the first port of call to report issues, and I suggest the more people that do – councillors included - the better.
“Through SEPP we have two schools participating in a free permit scheme to encourage the use of carparks, and we have also introduced the 30-minute free parking trial.
“Our children’s safety is the number one priority.”
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