"It just pushes the problem further afield": Medway parents give their thoughts on School Streets
The safety scheme was introduced on Monday
On Monday the new school streets programme which was rolled out across Medway.
The safety scheme has been introduced at seven schools, closing roads for vehicles at pick off and drop off time.
It means, at that time, the designated streets will only be open to pedestrians and cyclists.
With a day of school runs under their belt, parents from around Medway have been sharing their frustrations. Believing the problem has been moved further away and not solved.
Nicky's children attend Meirscourt Primary, she said she had to leave work early, in order to get parked.
"It's going to have a knock on affect trying to find somewhere else to park around the local areas.
"I normally leave at 3pm to come on the school run, but I have had to leave 15 minutes early and I'm already parked at the end of the road."
Jadie, whose children also attend Mierscourt, had the same view. She said: "It's going to cause chaos along these roads and residents up this way.
"The problem is just going to be pushed further a field, I think a lot of parents drive here so it's not going to stop the issues."
As a result, busier roads away from the schools means more danger for children and that's why Lexi is worried.
She said: "Down there is a nightmare don't get me wrong but School Streets is just going to move the nightmare to a main road, where my kid could walk out and get run over.
"However, down there by the school it wouldn't matter because it isn't a main road."
If caught using the roads, parents can be fined ÂŁ70, reduced to ÂŁ35 if paid within 21 days.
However, some vehicles can be granted exemption and those already parked in the area can stay there.
Medway Council got £486,000 from the government’s Active Travel Fund for the School Streets scheme, which is aiming to reduce congestion and improve air quality and safety.
The School Streets Scheme has been introduced at:
*Burnt Oak Primary School, Cornwall Road, Gillingham
*Greenvale Primary School, Symons Avenue, Chatham
*Miers Court Primary School, Silverspot Close, Rainham
*Phoenix Primary School, Glencoe Road, Chatham
*St Mary's Catholic Primary School, Greenfield Road, Gillingham
*St Peter's Infant School, Holcombe Road, Rochester
*St Thomas More Catholic Primary School, Bleakwood Road, Walderslade