The problem of congestion outside schools at the beginning and end of the school day is one Medway Council is hoping to tackle with a new banner campaign.

As of this week, three Medway schools – Fairview Community, Rainham; St Peters Infants, Rochester; Featherby Juniors, Rainham – will display the green warning banner outside the school gates.

St Johns CE Infants, Chatham and Bligh Infants, Strood will both display the banners from January 12.

The following schools will be displaying the amber banner: Temple School, Strood; New Road Primary, Chatham and Warren Wood Primary, Rochester.

Riverside Primary and St Margaret’s Juniors, both in Rainham, will display the red banner.

Each banner carries a progressively stronger message. From green – don't park here to red – keep clear.

The campaign aims to stop drivers from of parking on the school keep clear markings, commonly referred to as zigzag lines.

Cllr Phil Filmer, Medway Council's Portfolio Holder for Frontline Services, said: “We take road safety in Medway very seriously and this is especially evident within our schools.

“I am delighted that we are tackling the congestion problems outside our busiest schools in such an effective and innovative way. Parents can do their bit for congestion and the environment by leaving their car at home and walking their child to school or joining one of the many walking bus schemes in Medway.

“The overall message is simple: keep school entrances clear and keep our children safe.”

The zigzag banner campaign had been used at a number of schools during the autumn term, including Deanwood Primary, Rainham; Riverside Primary, Rainham; Temple School, Strood; St Margaret’s CofE Juniors, Rainham; New Road Primary, Chatham; Warren Wood Primary, Rochester and Byron Primary, Gillingham.

Feedback from these schools was extremely positive with all of them noting an improved difference in the number of cars parked outside the school entrance.

For details about the zigzag banner scheme and other school travel initiatives contact James Sutton, School Travel Advisor/Safer Journeys Officer on 01634 331399 or james.sutton@medway.gov.uk