Radical new measures designed to boost road safety and cut traffic congestion around two Billericay schools are to be introduced as part of an innovative partnership scheme.

The Safer Journeys to School project has been developed to help deal with major safety concerns caused by the level of congestion at South Green Infants and Junior Schools.

A spokeswoman for Basildon Council, one of the main partners, said: "The project is an excellent way of tackling two problems at once - helping to keep children safer on their walk to and from school and helping to ease traffic congestion during peak times.

"It is a good example of how people working together can achieve results."

The council has developed the scheme, which is funded by Essex County Council, in partnership with a whole variety of groups including Essex Police and teachers, parents and governors at the schools.

A new school travel plan will now try to encourage people to cut car use for journeys to school and persuade parents, pupils and teachers to walk, cycle or use public transport instead.

It is hoped the plans will make journeys to the infant school in Ganels Road and the junior school in Hickstars Lane both safer and more appealing.

Action is seen as vital due to the level of congestion caused by parents parking their cars around the schools.

This is believed to block through traffic and makes walking to the schools more hazardous.

Head teacher at South Green Infants School Madeleine Knight has welcomed the initiative: "I am in favour of anything which makes it safer for pedestrians travelling to the school and I am pleased the council has been willing to put in this extra money to improve safety.

"We have a lot of parents coming to the school with baby buggies or with several children and the amount of traffic at the moment makes it very difficult for them."

The council has proposed three traffic restrictions as part of the scheme which it has now put out to public consultation.

It is also considering the introduction of a 20 mph speed limit zone around the schools and a zebra crossing in Hickstars Lane.

The first suggested restriction would prohibit waiting at any time at Hickstars Lane's junctions with Ganels Road, Well Mead, Kennel Lane and Carvers Wood.

The second suggestion is to restrict waiting in Hickstars Lane, opposite the school entrance, from 8.30 to 9.30am and from 2.30 to 3.30pm from Monday to Friday.

The third proposal is to introduce 'no stopping' between 8.30 and 9.30am and from 2.30 to 3.30pm, Monday to Friday, on the 'school keep clear' markings in Hickstars Lane and Ganels Road.

Any comments on the proposals should be sent to the council by Friday December 8.

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