Drivers have been facing gridlock on the first day back at school.

The school-run traffic is being compounded by emergency gas repairs in Rainham forcing a main route to shut.

Motorists have been diverted to the already congested and busy A2 and Berengrave Lane was reportedly so busy it was taking at least 30 minutes to get through.

Works to gas mains on Lower Rainham Road between the Three Mariners Inn and Pump Lane has closed the road in both directions after a reported gas leak.

They are due to be completed on Friday, September 10 and Medway Highways has advised drivers to find an alternative route.

But many of those were jammed up during the morning rush hour earlier today with some journeys which would normally take about 10 minutes taking more than four times that.

It coincides with the first day back for most schools adding more traffic to the roads.

A new school – the Leigh Academy in Otterham Quay Lane – opened its doors last week becoming the town's fourth secondary school with more traffic added to roads around Rainham when other schools returned back this morning.

It is reported Otterham Quay Lane approaching the A2 was also extremely busy this morning.

Cllr Martin Potter said: "These are emergency gas works by SGN which actually started on Friday. The works are frustrating but they have to take place due to the gas leak, however, we have asked for improved signage especially as some signs seem to have disappeared which exacerbated issues.

"The new school has now been open nearly a week, including when the emergency works started so it would be disingenuous to put today on the school. The impact of the gas works today has been driven by the wider return of school, particularly primary schools.

"Although I am sure some parents may have wished they'd walked their children to school on such a lovely September morning, many have kids going to different places and they then have to get to work themselves so the car is very necessary."

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