DANGEROUS drivers are putting lives at risk by mounting paths outside schools, it has been claimed.

Parents told the Echo they have seen children narrowly avoid injury because of cars driving along the pavement near St Katherine’s Church of England Primary School and Winter Gardens Academy, both in Hilton Road, Canvey.

The issues has even been reported to police.

Carly Dowsett, 32, of Link Road, Canvey said her son was almost hit by a car travelling on the pavement to avoid congestion in the road.

She said: “We were walking to school one day last week and this car just came out of nowhere and I had to grab my son and quickly pull him out of the way.

“I don’t think the driver even saw him. Luckily my son wasn’t hurt but it could have been quite bad.

“I was very mad, and even shouted at the driver which is something that I never do.

“My partner called the police on Tuesday and they said will look into it, but they want us to take pictures and videos of this happening.”

Ms Dowsett said she has spoken to staff at both schools, who have been supportive and promised to put notices in their newsletters and on their website.

She added: “I have spoken to other parents about this who have told me that they are just as concerned as I am about the problem.

“I think it’s a difficult issue to sort out. I don’t know exactly what can be done about the problem, but I do know that something needs to happen.”

Peter Grieg, Canvey Independent Party councillor for Winter Gardens, said he has been made aware of the problems along Hilton Road.

He said: “I have raised concerns about this in the past and this is an issue that needs work.

“Even though I don’t agree with or condone what these drivers are doing I do understand it can be frustrating for drivers when they can’t get through traffic.

“I am afraid that I think things will get worse as we have more and more housing development on the island.”

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “We are working with the schools in the area to advise parents about issues caused by blocking carriageways and parking on footpaths. We would ask anybody who witnesses any thing like this to contact us with the vehicles details.”