Angry residents have demanded their voices be heard over pop-up Covid-19 road closures which they claim are an accident waiting to happen.

The road block across Russell Road and Prospect Grove has divided Gravesend's Riverside ward in more ways than one.

The cycle-friendly scheme, designed as part of a government trial throughout the pandemic, aims to reduce rat runs and make roads safer for cyclists and children.

As part of the new measures, wooden planters were installed in September to prevent cars travelling down certain roads, but opponents argue this has simply created major traffic issues elsewhere.

Now nearly 200 people have signed a petition calling for the temporary scheme – rolled out for the next 18 months by Kent County Council – to be scrapped.

Leading the charge is Suffolk Road resident John Colfer who believes the road closures are a "serious accident waiting to happen".

The 64-year-old, who helps manage the emergency service barrier at the junction of Norfolk Road, says he has seen several near misses as a result of the new road layout.

He said: "The scheme hasn't taken into account the serious knock-on effect to not only the local residents but also to the emergency services, Gravesham council and local businesses.

"The continued road closure has seen a marked increase in vehicles coming down Prospect Grove getting stuck at the width restriction and emergency barrier and then trying to do a three-point turn on the last house's drive.

"With those off the Norfolk Road Industrial Estate who continue to cut through the width restriction ignoring the numerous no entry signs – that I have worked tirelessly with KCC to ensure are in place – this puts pedestrians and other road users at risk."

In the absence of clearer signage indicating the presence of the new scheme, Mr Colfer argues there is a greater risk of vehicles – including many HGVs – heading down ill-equipped narrow side streets.

These vehicles then attempt to navigate the width restrictions at the bottom of Prospect Grove, where they either chance the squeeze or perform dangerous three point turns, often across the front of terraced houses, he claims.

As a result, neighbours say they have been left to foot the bill for damage caused to fences and posts by HGVs flouting warnings.

In its first week of operation Mr Colfer says he was called out to assist 17 vehicles which had got stuck at the width restrictions.

This includes rubbish trucks and even an ambulance collecting patients to attend hospital appointments.

The scheme was first introduced as part of wider changes to the road layout around Milton Road, including a new segregated "pop-up" cycle lane which was met with opposition from businesses.

So far, at least one-third of Kent's green transports schemes have been scrapped due to public discontent and pressure.

But Kent County Council has defended the schemes saying it wants to create a safer space for pedestrians and increase the amount of cyclists in this area.

It is hoped this will reduce the demand for public transport and private motor vehicles and thus help the authority to deliver on its air quality objectives.

KCC spokesman Thom Morris said: “The wooden planters in Prospect Grove and Norfolk Road are there to create a safer environment for cyclists.

“Prospect Grove is a one-way street and already has width restrictions of 6’6”.

“This restriction is signed on Milton Road before entering Prospect Grove and was there before any active travel schemes were implemented."

Last week, the Department for Transport said overall support for active travel schemes remained high but conceded some schemes had caused problems.

Councils in Kent have been told to "weed out" any problems with future cycling and walking schemes as the government grants a £7million boost for long-term projects.

Those councils applying for funding which fail to consult residents and businesses before closing streets to traffic will now have funding "clawed back", it has been warned.

Under new provisions announced last week, councils must publish detailed consultation plans, show "open" evidence of engagement with residents and submit monitoring reports six to 12 months after commencement.

Active travel fund schemes were reviewed in October and are set to be looked at again next month.

The Gravesend road closures are being considered for possible inclusion at next month's Gravesham council joint transportation board meeting, to be held on Wednesday, December 2.

Kent County Council says residents can support, or raise objections or concerns about the schemes by visiting www.kent.gov.uk and searching Emergency Active Travel Fund Schemes.

Read more: All the latest news from Gravesend