Police are widening their crackdown on illegal parking at schools by doubling the number that will be patrolled.

From the beginning of the September term a total of 10 schools across the district, including secondary schools for the first time, will be monitored as part of Operation Lily.

The operation, which includes staff from the North Essex Parking Partnership, began in April after a number of complaints about the issue.

PC Max Ansell said: “I would like to thank everyone who was helped in Operation Lily as it has so far had a very positive impact on schools in the local area, and down to this success in the Autumn term more schools will be incorporated into it in Witham and Halstead.

“We have been looking at secondary schools as well, particularly Notley High.”

The schools are patrolled randomly and at least 14 tickets have been issued.