COUNCILLORS will be told this week that Thurrock Council is considering stepping up action to resolve traffic and parking issues around three schools in Grays.

Earlier this year Thurrock Nub News reported on widespread concerns around St Thomas of Canterbury Catholic Primary on Ward Avenue and there have been similar problems on nearby roads involving parents dropping pupils at Quarry Hill Academy and Grays Convent.

The concerns led to a petition being handed in to the council in May calling for action.

At Wednesday's (30 June) full council meeting, councillors will hear a brief report in response to the petition, which suggests action could be taken to improve the situation.

Nothing will be decided on Wednesday, but councillors can ask questions about the proposals if they are so minded.

The report says: "The issues raised within the petition fall under the Safer Routes to School (SRTS) and Area Intervention Programme (AIP) sections of the Council's annual Integrated Transport Block programme.

"The schools are ranked as sixth, eighth and tenth within the current SRTS programme of 52 schools, and the HGV issue is currently ranked 6th on the AIP programme.

"Although these locations are not included in the 2021/22 programme, based upon the petition received, the transport development team have begun to investigate solutions that could address the issues that have been raised.

"In relation to parking enforcement, the council patrol and monitor schools in the borough on a rotational basis to a predetermined programme.

"Enforcement patrols are already in place to enforce the current restrictions in the areas surrounding Quarry Hill Academy, Grays Convent and St Thomas School.

"An increase in restrictions could be a possible solution, and periodic enforcement patrols will be provided in line with resourcing levels.

"Residents can report obstruction of their dropped kerbs by calling 01375 413871 and where resource permits an officer will be deployed.

"At present Thurrock Council does not have any plans to install cameras or introduce enforcement cars."