AS the school year drew to a close last week, enforcement officers from Thurrock Council – accompanied by a local ward councillor, targeted parents and carers outside a borough school.

The council's team attended Chafford Hundred's Harris Academy and Mayflower Primary School on Mayflower Road and during the visit issued four parking charge notices.

Chafford councillor Abbie Akinbohun said: "We all know we should take extra care when parking near schools to ensure that children are not put at risk. I hope these notices serve as a warning and deterrent to all those that contravene the parking restrictions in Chafford.

"We must not tolerate bad parking anywhere as it impacts the free movement of residents, and is a safety issue.

"We hope our message is clear to all residents and they think about the impact their poor parking has on the safety of residents, in particular children."

Cllr Ben Maney, the council's portfolio holder for highways added: "This is a great example of why we are doubling the size of the enforcement team next year. I would also urge all parents who drive their children to school to be considerate, park within the rules and think about the safety of other families or risk a fine."