TRAFFIC and parking chaos could be made even worse by a school's expansion plans, opponents of the plan have warned.
The problems are already "severe" in and around the joint campus shared by St Francis, Audley and Sunnydown schools off Whyteleafe Road, Caterham.
Critics fear the situation will become even worse, especially at peak times, if a scheme to extend St Francis School is given the go ahead.
The plan calls for an extension to provide two new classrooms and a larger hall. In addition the entrance from Whyteleafe Road would be widened and two exit lanes provided.
If the proposals are approved, pupil numbers at St Francis would rise from 310 to 420.
Tandridge district councillor Hilary Turner said: "There are already severe problems there at the start and end of the school day.
"The traffic implications have not been adequately thought through. The increase in traffic from this would create even worse problems."
Ahmed Hasan, who lives in nearby Cedar Park, said congestion and near-misses were already intolerable, with some ignorant parents parking on the junctions with busy Whyteleafe Road.
Caterham on the Hill Parish Council has also come out against the plan.
It said residents in neighbouring roads such as Portley Lane, Matlock Road and Strathmore Close already suffered from inconsiderate parking from those dropping off or picking up schoolchildren.
In a statement, the parish council said the minimal public transport to the schools needed to be improved.
It added: "An increase in numbers at St Francis School would affect a large number of people.
"About 700 pupils attend St Francis, Audley or Sunnydown schools, with many parents, staff and local residents using Whyteleafe Road."
But Sudantha De Silva, the Brighton-based planning agent behind the scheme, said: "There is a demand for places at St Francis School.
"The main challenges in the area are the difficulties accessing and exiting during peak times.
"To mitigate this it is proposed to increase parking [spaces] at the school, improve the traffic flow and improve the junction with Whyteleafe Road."
The application is likely to de decided on in the spring by Surrey County Council.
