Critics of Medway’s controversial mobile parking patrol should be putting children’s safety first, a council meeting heard.

Cllr David Brake (Con), made the comments at a meeting of Medway Council’s business support committee.

He also had harsh words for Medway Messenger deputy editor David Jones, whose weekly column regular includes pictures of the CCTV vehicle at work.

"The Medway Messenger is quite irresponsible in the way it deals with the issue of the Smart Car," he said.

"Often drivers don’t realise they are in trouble until they receive a council fine through the post days after the offence."

He told the committee that the car was doing a public service:

"David Jones seems to have a following of people in the Medway Towns who write in with their gripes about it.

"It is there for the benefit of the community to ensure there is safety for the children of our community.

"That is the message which should be put across loud and clear."

Cllr Mike O’Brien (Con) said he recently attended a packed meeting in Wigmore where residents were up in arms about the way mums parked across their gates and outside their drives.

When the authorities suggested various forms of enforcement including the Smart Car and police the audience immediately turned.

"When we mentioned the Smart Car, we were amazed how the conversation changed to protecting people’s human rights!

"A policeman at the meeting eventually stood up and asked them what they wanted: mums will insist on dropping their children off outside the school.

"At the end of the day it is only the mums who can do something about it."