Gravesham’s traffic officers have been assaulted or abused 21 times in the past 12 months – seven times more often than the year before.

Gravesham council revealed five of the attacks between July 2015 and July this year took place outside schools.

Fifteen incidents happened in the first six months. The figures were revealed after a freedom of information request.

The council records its figures to coincide with the financial year and for the period from April 2014 to March 2015, there were just three assaults – showing a seven-fold increase.

Most of the school incidents came either side of the summer holidays in July or September.

At Cecil Road Primary and Nursery School attendants were confronted three times, in September last year and in January and July this year.

Attendants were also abused in September outside Istead Rise school and in April outside Lawn Road primary.

Gravesham council said: “On at least two occasions our officers have suffered physical assault requiring medical attention as well as some absence from work.

“On each of these occasions the assaults took place at schools, which is frustrating given that our officers are there to improve safety for the children.

“Whilst all incidents are of concern, the level of abuse outside of two primary schools is of great concern.”

The council said traffic officers had participated in campaigns to target and promote safer parking around schools, alongside the police and Kent County Council, and had been issuing tickets.

It added: “This increase in attacks was concerning for the council and a driving factor in purchasing body-worn cameras relatively quickly so that our officers could carry out their role without fear, intimidation or abuse. The council will not tolerate abuse, threats and assaults on staff.”

Apart from the school confrontations, there were also a number of assaults at Windmill Street, Queen Street and Barrack Row.

Other roads where attendants were targeted included Darnley Road, Wellington Street, Spencer Street and Arthur Street.

August was the worst time for parking attendants, who are paid between £17,891 to £19,939 a year, with five assaults, including two in Windmill Street, where the council offices are.