Council chiefs are looking at measures to stop drivers using the roads through East Sheen cemetery as a rat run to avoid jams.

It appears some of those involved are parents using it as a cut through to speed up the school run to St Elizabeth's primary and Christ's secondary.

A number are said to use roads in the cemetery to park for the daily school drop-off and pick-up.

The main entrance to the cemetery is via Kings Ride, however there is another exit into Lower Grove Road. Using these roads allows drivers to avoid the busy Sheen Road and Manor Road junction traffic lights.

Critics of the tactic say those involved are 'low' and 'disrespectful' and risk delaying and taking parking spaces from people mourning family and friends.

It has also been suggested that a number of cyclists are using the cemetery roads, particularly at weekends, as a cut through to avoid traffic.

One eye-witness said: "I only notice the traffic in the cemetery when I am walking up to visit a relative's grave. 

"With cars parking in there for the school run, it limits the amount of parking available for mourners attending funerals or the peace and quiet of pedestrian visitors like myself. 

"Cyclists also use it as a cut through even though cycling isn't allowed in the cemetery."

Another user, who was walking his dogs at around 8.30am on a school day, said: "A large car seemed to be going at quite high speed through the cemetery.

"I thought nothing of it, then saw three others moments later. When I then walked out of the bottom gate toward the Upper Richmond Road, I saw children getting out of one of the cars.

"I posted it on Nextdoor and people seemed to either think driving through the cemetery like that was very disrespectful.

"I think the simple solution is only to allow vehicle access from one gate in the morning. It's not like the cemetery is full of visitors who drive at that time, and it's only for about an hour there's such traffic pressure."

Richmond Council told Nub News: "Our Cemeteries and Parks team are aware of some drivers using East Sheen cemetery as a cut through and are exploring options to address this."