Street wardens have clamped down on parents parking outside an Oxford school - to the delight of neighbours.

Parking outside St Nicholas Primary School, in Raymund Road, Old Marston, had become a nightmare, with the school run causing queues and congestion.

But headteacher Rachel Crouch said a team of street wardens had managed to halve the amount of traffic in the street.

She said: "Like so many schools, parents' parking had become a huge problem and we knew we had to do something.

"The wardens came in and have been absolutely brilliant. We now have a fantastic system in place."

Ms Crouch said the wardens, who patrol the road around the school gates at the beginning and end of the school day, were "firm, but fair".

The Oxford City Council team chats to parents and pupils and asking drivers to move on if they park somewhere which will cause congestion.

Ms Crouch added: "They are very polite and friendly, and have the personality to deliver the right message. They are a friendly face but also know the rules, reminding parents of the dangers of parking outside school.

"Their presence alone means parents simply do not park inconsiderately and if they do they know they will be asked to find a better, safer place to park."

The wardens, who cannot issue tickets, are part of the school's travel plan, one of the aims of which is to reduce congestion around the school gates.

Ms Crouch added: "The wardens are brilliant with the children and have come into school to talk to pupils about road safety."

Senior warden Teresa Slatford said: "This is an important part of our work in deterring crime and encouraging community safety.

"Inconsiderate parking is dangerous, particularly outside schools. This is the message we are aiming to get across and it seems to be working."

Tony Greenfield, of Raymund Road Neighbourhood Watch, said: "The residents have seen a significant respite from the problems that inconsiderate parking had caused them since the wardens first started patrolling. They are doing a great job, although there is still a long way to go."

Caroline van Zyl, the city council's executive member for a safer city, said: "This is really good news for local residents."