A parent is concerned that plans to implement pedestrian zones next to some Croydon schools could be dangerous for students.

Three schools have been signed up to take part in a project that would see parents fined for dropping off and picking up their kids in front of the school during certain times of the day.

Instead, parents will be forced to drop their kids on roads away from the school.

Gill Parkinson has four children who all go to either Woodcote Primary or Woodcote High School, the schools affected, and is worried that the parking ban could spell danger for students.

"Teenagers think they’re invincible," she said.

"They walk with their heads in their phones, talking to their friends and because of this new plan there will be more congestion on that road [Woodcote Grove Road], and who knows what will happen then."

Croydon Council believes it can adequately manage any situation that arises.

"Council staff will act as marshals to make sure there is no congestion just outside of the area," a council spokesperson said.

"Say if someone wanted to legally park just outside the zone and then walk into it, the marshals would make sure they could."

The pedestrian zones will be in place on school days along the roads approaching:

• Woodcote Primary in Dunsfold Rise, Coulsdon (including Fairfield Way and Meadow Rise)

• Heavers Farm Primary in Dinsdale Gardens, Selhurst

• St Chad’s Catholic Primary in Alverstone Gardens, Selhurst.

The pedestrian zones at Heavers Farm and St Chad’s will be from 8-9.30am and 2-4pm, and the zone outside Woodcote Primary will be from 8am to 9.30am and 2.30pm to 4pm.

Permits can be given out to people who request it, such as residents living in the street, which would allow them to travel in and out of the zones without being fined.

Ms Parkinson did query what would happen if someone, unbeknownst to the law, ventured in to the zone at the wrong time just to see a friend or relative.

A council spokesman said: "You can apply for a permit up to 5pm on the day of the visit (so after the fact) for things like visitors.

"The permit holder can ask council for that particular registration to be exempt from the fine.

"To make sure you don’t get a penalty charge notice, make sure to get a pass in advance.

"We would like to stress that this is just a 6 month trial and all feedback is welcome."