3 days ago
Extra 140 parking spaces introduced to support parents at south Essex school
An extra 140 parking spaces have been introduced in Wickford to help support parents taking their children to school.
The new spaces are part of Basildon Council's Park and Stride scheme and are located at Wickford Main Car Park.
The initiative is designed to ease congestion near Wickford Primary School by providing parents with a safe place to park and walk the rest of the way to school with their children.
Aidan McGurran, councillor responsible for environment and leisure, said: "We are pleased to offer additional parking spaces for the Park and Stride scheme.
"Supporting our residents by creating more parking opportunities is essential to encourage more families to participate and to make it as convenient as possible for them to park and walk their children to school.
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"We remain committed to working closely with our partners to ensure the ongoing success and smooth operation of this scheme."
The Park and Stride model encourages families to drive part of the way to school, park in a designated area, and walk the remainder of the journey.
This approach aims to reduce traffic around school gates, improve air quality, and promote physical activity for children.
Wickford Primary School is part of the South Essex Parking Partnership's (SEPP) 3PR School Campaign, which stands for care, consideration, and caution.
The campaign aims to educate parents and children about responsible parking and reduce the number of vehicles near schools.
The 140 additional parking spaces are available during term time only for parents taking part in the Park and Stride scheme.
Schools in the Basildon borough interested in joining the 3PR scheme are encouraged to contact Jack Sharp, school parking and project officer at SEPP.
He can be reached via email at schoolparking@
The 3PR School Campaign focuses on encouraging thoughtful parking behaviours and reducing congestion around school sites through community education and practical support.
Officials hope the extra spaces will make it easier for parents to participate in the scheme and help create safer, healthier journeys to school.
