TRAFFIC restrictions outside a Woodford Green school are causing chaos in nearby streets, residents say.

The restrictions in Whitehall Road, outside Bancroft's School, are believed to be a safety measure and were put in place by the council at the beginning of the school year.

They prevent parents dropping off children or waiting in the road, which could be dangerous as it often sees heavy traffic.

But residents say this has created new problems as parents are now pulling into streets including Chiltern Way and Forest Road, which are both cul-de-sacs, and are even parking in people's driveways.

Bob Sterry, 61, a teacher, of Chiltern Way, said his entire family has been affected and also claims his own car has been damaged by drivers trying to get into the street.

He said: “If I come home at about 4 o'clock, I can't even get up my own drive. Yesterday, there was a car parked across the top of the road.”

His wife, Shirley, 57, a PA, added: “It's an absolute nightmare. I think the worst thing is when they park at the edge of the road – you just cannot see to pull out.”

Their son, Luke, 23, a student, said he has also suffered problems and that drivers sometimes refuse to move from the driveway.

Neighbour Jean Power, 79, said: “This road is being used as a public car park from about 8am until 5pm if we're lucky. It's the bane of my life.”

And people living in nearby Forest Road have suffered similar problems, resident Georgina Holmes claims.

Miss Holmes, 73, said: “It's a big headache. You get people parking right on the end, trying to get out. It's an absolute death trap.”

And Bancroft's headteacher Mary Ireland has also criticised the restrictions, saying traffic has now sped up on Whitehall Road.

She said: "There's a pedestrian crossing and a rumble strip, which seems to have made absolutely no difference.

"Cars are going much faster than they were - that's actually increased the risk to children.

"Given the whole argument was supposed to be for protecting children, I haven't seen any evidence of it. There doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason to it."

A spokesman for the council said: "These measures were introduced to try and improve traffic conditions around the school entrances as part of the Safer Routes to School programme. "The council did consult on the scheme and the results showed that the majority of people who responded were in favour of the proposals. "Parking around Chiltern Way and other roads in the area was discussed with councillors and it was agreed that the situation should be monitored over a six month period to see if any problems arise and then determine if any further action should be carried out.

"The conditions in Chiltern way are being monitored and will be in included in the review of the scheme."

The Guardian is awaiting a response on how the measures are enforced.