A ROAD outside a school will be closed during drop-off and pick-up time from today in a bid to tackle poor parking from parents.

Westerings Primary Academy, in Sunny Road, Hockley, is implementing a “school street” scheme after complaints were made to the headteacher and Rochford Council.

The scheme will mimic successful “school streets” that have been rolled out in Southend, closing the road during pick-up and drop-off times.

Hawkwell East Independent councillor, Julie Gooding, revealed the school has had countless complaints about the way parents park in the cul-de-sac outside the school, reducing visibility and potentially putting children in danger as they cross the road.

From today, Sunny Road will be closed between 8.15am and 9am, as well as 2.30pm and 3pm.

Ms Gooding said: “A lot of parents have approached the head of the school about the situation regarding the road, there have been so many concerns over safety during the pick-up and drop-off times.

“Sunny Road is a small, close road and the school is right at the end, meaning people have to drive, turnaround and come down. It is just not an ideal situation and this is the only way we could get around it.

“The school’s council agreed unanimously to approve this pilot scheme and we want to see how it is received and iron out any difficulties.

“There will be stewards at the site, so if there is a problem we will make sure everything is handled safely and records will be kept.”

Ms Gooding added that the council has agreed to waive parking charges at a nearby car park, so people can walk for five minutes down an alleyway to access the school.

“We want to see if that helps reduce congestion as well. We want to make it safer to go down the road and get access to the school,” she said.

“There are other benefits when walking down as well. Even in five minutes, you can have an enriching conversation with your child.

“We encourage people to walk their child to school, for those benefits.”