Police fear that schoolchildren could be at risk of serious injury unless steps are taken to prevent illegal parking outside schools.

Five schools in the Braintree area have been selected as part of a partnership between the police and the North Essex Parking Partnership.

As part of the crackdown, officers will be monitoring schools regularly and issuing fixed penalty notices to drivers parked inappropriately.

Sgt Max Ansell, who is leading the operation, said: "It is potentially going to save lives and prevent injuries."

Full story in the Braintree and Witham Times.