Rochford District Council is pleased to announce a new 'Park & Stride' scheme for parents of Rayleigh Primary School, set to be implemented in Castle Road Car Park and Webster Way Car Park. The initiative, introduced in partnership with the South Essex Parking Partnership (SEPP), aims to improve road safety and reduce parking congestion around the school.
Designed to encourage parents to park in designated local car parks and walk the short distance to the school, the "Park & Stride" scheme addresses safety concerns and traffic flow issues that have been raised by both residents and local officials. Both Castle Road Car Park and Webster Way Car Park have been identified as ideal locations to serve as safe, convenient parking spaces for Rayleigh Primary School parents.
All administrative aspects of the scheme, including coordination with parents, the issuing of permits, and ongoing communication with the school, will be managed by SEPP, with Rochford District Council providing support in an enabling role. The Council is working closely with SEPP and Rayleigh Primary School to ensure the success of this initiative, and the scheme is set for review after six months to assess its impact and identify any potential improvements.
Councillor Michael Hoy, Rochford District Council’s Chair of the Economic Development, Regeneration & Tourism Committee, said:
“This scheme is a proactive step towards creating a safer, healthier environment around Rayleigh Primary School,. “By encouraging parents to ‘park and stride,’ we aim to reduce the risk of accidents near the school while promoting a little extra physical activity for students. We’re proud to be part of a collaborative effort to keep our children safe.”
The South Essex Parking Partnership, which has introduced similar schemes across Essex, has already agreed with Rayleigh Primary School to participate in the Gold 3PR programme, an educational initiative focused on teaching children and parents about vehicle safety. Together, the "Park & Stride" scheme and Gold 3PR programme will serve as a comprehensive approach to road safety education for students and families at Rayleigh Primary. Pending approval by the Parking Task and Finish Group, the Council will initiate discussions with SEPP to determine the strict parameters of the scheme. If successful, the pilot project could lay the groundwork for similar schemes at schools across the district, promoting a safer, more community-oriented approach to school drop-off and pick-up.