ONE solution to stopping unnecessary HGVs from using Sevenoaks High Street as a through route could be to pedestrianise the area.

That is the opinion of West Kent district Chief Inspector David Cooper.

In an interview with the Chronicle, Sevenoaks's top cop argued there were no easy answers for dealing with the lorries passing through despite the damage done to the historic upper High Street conservation area and the danger to people.

"The roads aren't wide enough for size of traffic we now have," said Chief Insp Cooper.

"It's about having to manage with the roads that we've got.

"We're quite fortunate that we don't have trucks coming through very often.

"Closing the High Street to HGVs would solve the problem of the danger to pedestrians, but it would take some time for the planning to take place.

"If approved, the suppliers with HGVs would work overnight."

Chief Insp Cooper pointed out police were powerless to penalise HGV drivers specifically for mounting the kerb, as there was no law to prevent it.

This will come as cold comfort for mothers of children in pushchairs who are frequently forced to take cover in doorways to avoid lorries.

Mother-of-two Anna Brown said the footpath was so narrow in some places it was impossible to get through.

"It's just too narrow round here and it's very unpleasant," said the Oak Hill Road resident.

"You can't keep the pram on the pavement, you end up having to go slightly in to the road."

Tracey Scott and Ros Collett have one child each, both of who are less than a year old.

The Chronicle caught up with them trying to negotiate their way to the toddlers group at St Nicholas' Church.

"It's very dangerous here," said Mrs Scott. "There's no need for the HGVs to be here and these roads are not suitable for large vehicles."

Mrs Collett added: "Pavements are for people."

Chief Insp Cooper said whereas it was illegal to park on the pavement, it was not illegal to drive on it if there was no other option.

"There's no specific offence for driving on to the kerb to pass an obstruction, but there's always careless driving which will pick it up," he said.

"There's no way I can turn round and say it's illegal because you've got to take it on a case by case basis.

"All that can be done is if members of the public are concerned with driving obviously they can report it."

Chief Insp Cooper added Kent Police was not responsible for policy and the decision rested with Kent County Council.