THIS week, the North Essex Parking Partnership (NEPP) has launched its next Gold 3PR parking scheme, to encourage parents not to drop their children at the front gates of Pear Tree Mead Academy in Harlow.

Pear Tree Mead has created a no parking zone, known as a ‘3PR Zone’ outside its entrance to educate parents and pupils about considerate parking practices.

3PR, which represents the three Parking Rules of Care, Consideration and Caution (originally created by the South Essex Parking Partnership), delivers a positive message about school parking and provides advice and guidance to children, parents and carers on safe and considerate parking practices.

Pupils who enter the zone by foot, cycle or scooter will be rewarded with a 3PR token for the class token box. Children arriving early at school for Breakfast Club will also receive tokens for avoiding peak drop-off time. Each month the class with the most tokens is awarded a trophy and at the end of each school year, one class at the school will become the 3PR Parking Champions.

Councillor Robert Mitchell, Chairman of North Essex Parking Partnership, said: “We’re really excited to be launching another 3PR scheme in north Essex and our second in Harlow.

“Parking near some schools is often an issue and we’re always looking for ways to improve this and keep children safe. We’re confident this scheme will motivate families to be considerate during school drop-off and pick-up times, making the roads and walking routes around schools much safer for all road users.”

Christine Peden, Headteacher at Pear Tree Mead Academy, said: “I am looking forward to working together with the parents to help keep the children safe outside our school. Giving the children an incentive to ask their parents to follow the 3PR guidance will hopefully encourage them to park outside the zone.”

Primary schools that are interested in the scheme should contact [email protected].

Find out more about 3PR by visiting schoolparking.org.uk