Rochester councillor Stuart Tranter cleared by police over school gates row outside King's School
17:40, 16 July 2021
updated: 17:51, 16 July 2021
A councillor has been cleared by police after he was accused of racially abusing a woman during a row over parking outside a school.
Cllr Stuart Tranter was involved in an altercation with a parent outside King's in Rochester earlier this year.
The matter was reported to police in March but the Conservative has now been told no further action will be taken.
The investigation has now been dropped, police confirmed.
At the time of the incident, Cllr Tranter admitted there had been a school-run argument at the gates of the private school due to parking issues in the road.
Throughout the investigation he denied any wrongdoing amid claims he had angrily approached the mother, who had stopped in the road in a BMW X7, before swearing and directing abuse at her.
In a newsletter to constituents, Cllr Tranter said: "I am pleased to say the police confirmed today they will be taking no further action regarding an accusation against me when I asked a car dangerously blocking a school entrance to move on."
He said he had no further comment to make about the police investigation when contacted by KentOnline this afternoon.
A police spokesman said: "On March 16, we received a report that a woman had been racially abused in Boley Hill, Rochester.
"Officers reviewed all reasonable lines of inquiry and carried out a voluntary interview with a man who had been named as an involved party.
"Following a review of all available evidence, and consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service, no further action was taken.
"As with any other inquiry, should new information come to light it will be assessed."
Residents have complained about long-running issues surrounding the prestigious King's School and nearby St Andrew's School in Watts Avenue.
It is reported roads are frequently blocked during the morning and afternoon drop-offs and pick-ups with some even considering moving house.
Neighbours say some elderly residents have missed hospital appointments due to being blocked in by inconsiderate parking.
Cllr Tranter has been a vocal critic of parking issues in the area and says more work needs to be done with parents, schools, residents and Medway Council.
Meetings are due to take place in a bid to come up with a solution.
