It's a case of new term, same old problem for residents living near a top private school.

Residents are angry the issue of unsafe parents' parking has returned – despite an ongoing effort to resolve the issue.

Those living in roads near King's School, Rochester, have persistently complained about the school-run chaos which includes vehicles stopping on pavements, on double yellow lines and blocking access to their homes.

The issue came to a head earlier this year with residents facing confrontational clashes and abusive language.

Ward councillor Stuart Tranter has had meetings with staff and MP Kelly Tolhurst has also stepped in to alleviate issues.

But householder Jo Murdoch-Goodwin – speaking on behalf of residents – said they had been met with "fruitless and empty promises made to address this very dangerous issue".

In a letter to Miss Tolhurst, she wrote: "Yesterday, the first day of term saw no changes whatsoever by the dangerous and illegal parking by parents despite your support to resolve this.

"Parents continue to assume the right to put the community at risk."

Ms Murdoch-Goodwin fears a pedestrian could be badly injured by cars mounting the pavement to drop off and pick up children.

She said: "I fear it will only take a serious incident to bring about change due to the apparent continued apathetic responsibility that has been taken to bring about no change thus far."

Cllr Tranter has compiled a raft of changes, including better use of walking buses, limiting access to residents' only parking during peak times and a dedicated drop-off zone.

He said: "My objectives are first safety, especially for children, and the impact on the local community.

"That includes selfish or unacceptable behaviour by a minority of parents and congestion issues.

"Another consideration is engines running, this is environmentally terrible and very harmful to small children."

King's director of external relations, Kerry France, said: "We continue to work closely with the local councillor on long-term solutions and will continue to inform parents of their responsibility to ensure the safety of children and residents when dropping off and picking up their child from school."

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