McDonald's areis facing calls for action over traffic jams caused by the reopening of a drive thru restaurant in Strood.

There were reports of lengthy queues when the fast food chain opened drive thrus in Gillingham and Strood yesterday, following weeks of closure due to coronavirus.

But residents now say action needs to be taken as streets have been brought to a standstill in Strood for the second day running.

Zak Owen, of Station Road, Strood, said McDonald’s was "not taking into account the lives of the people who live in the Medway Towns", adding: "Strood has come to a standstill for the second day in a row because of their stupidity in opening their drive-through restaurant in Commercial Road.

"The police seem to be turning a blind eye to this obstruction and are happy for people to wait 45 minutes to cross Rochester Bridge.

"This is absolutely disgraceful and for what - just so people can get a burger and chips."

He added: "If I park my car and blocked one lane of the A2 the police will be on me like a ton of bricks and they would either remove my vehicle or arrest me, so why are they letting McDonald’s get away with blocking the A2 in Strood just because they want to sell burgers?

"I’ve no doubt this is happening all over the country with drive-through restaurants. What are we going to have next, pub car parks spilling out onto the road while they sell takeaway beer through the hatch of the pub?

"I understand businesses want to open but this is affecting the quality of life for residents in the Medway Towns particularly for the vulnerable people who can’t get out and rely on people like me to get to them.

"I’ve tried talking to the police about it they just don’t want to know it seems they would rather be in forcing the social distancing rule outside shops than be interested in traffic jams in the Medway Towns caused by inconsiderate businesses who think it’s acceptable."

Other residents also reported car breakdowns and road rage in the queueing the traffic queues.

A statement from Kent Police said: "Kent Police is aware of traffic issues following the reopening of a restaurant in Commercial Road, Strood, on May 20 and May 21. Congestion is not a police issue, however we have liaised with the restaurant and local authority to help resolve these issues."

McDonald's has been approached for a comment.

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