CARS could be banned from roads near schools as part of new “green zones” to boost safety and air quality.

The move could also see 20mph speed limits introduced in residential roads across the whole of Southend.

Details are yet to be finalised, but the plan could see a ban on any traffic stopping or even driving in roads near schools - including parents dropping off children.

Ron Woodley, Southend Council’s deputy leader, said: “I’m desperate to bring in environmental zones and 20mph zones around schools. Cars would be banned from entering the zones to drop off school children.”

He said the council was looking at park-and-stride schemes, where children could be dropped off, allowing them to walk safely to school.

Mr Woodley said Greenways Primary School in Southend would benefit from the initial plans.

He added: “That’s why we are resurfacing the car park in Southchurch Park.

“This is a fundamental issue that affects young people’s lives. We have to make sure they grow up in as clean air as possible.”

Mr Woodley said residents living in the zones would register their number plates and those of anyone visiting, including tradesmen.

He added: “Then we will use technology to monitor the zones, using cameras to check if someone shouldn’t be there.”

Jon Fuller, spokesman for South East Essex Friends of the Earth, said: “Park-and -stride has huge potential to reduce toxic emissions and tackle obesity by getting children walking. But we need to go further.

“Park-and-stride must become an every day part of our lives, including teachers heading to school - when we go to work, to the shops or leisure activities.”