A PERMANENT no-parking zone, specific drop-off areas, and a 20mph speed limit could be introduced outside a school to tackle dangerous parking by parents.

New proposals to tackle problem parking on Rayleigh Road, near Eastwood Academy, have been put forward by Conservative candidate for Eastwood Park, Verina Weaver, and Tory cabinet member for highways, Kevin Buck and put to the school for consultation.

The plan would see the speed limit slashed during pick up and drop off time, as well as dedicated drop off points created.

It has also been proposed to introduce double red lines - banning parking at all time - on sections of Rayleigh Road.

Mr Buck said: “The safety of the pupils and school staff remains paramount. Simply banning cars from this area is neither practical and extremely difficult to enact and enforce. We are therefore proposing to create a dedicated pick up and drop off point, that is only usable within restricted times.

“Along with a temporary 20mph speed limit in the restricted times and other control measures, this will provide a safer environment for the pupils, bring relief to the frustrated residents whilst providing the space parents actually need to be able to drop off and pick up their children.”

Ms Weaver added: “I have been delighted to work with Mr Buck on this new scheme, which is being designed to stop the antisocial and dangerous parking around Eastwood Academy at school drop off and pickup times, without being too prohibitive at other times of the day.

“We will be consulting with residents and the school to ensure that it has support. I think this is a much more positive long-term route to take.”

Southend Liberal Democrat leader, Paul Collins, has previously proposed increased police patrols around the area to tackle the issues and believes the new proposal could create further issues with parking for people living on Rayleigh Road.

Mr Collins, councillor for Eastwood Park, said: “I welcome any opportunity to make sure residents have are safer but I don’t want them to lose parking.

“I want to know how this will work, it has an impact on people leaving their driveways and it will have to be policed.”

Verina Weaver (Con) is running in the Eastwood Park ward in the May 2. Others running include Christopher Clarke (Lab), Lauren Ekins (Green), Dave Poulton (Lib Dem) and Simon Spooner (Confelicity)