Concerns have been raised that parents are acting irresponsibly while taking part in a new healthy living initiative.

Weymouth and Portland has been transformed into an interactive game called Beat the Street for six weeks.

As part of the game, players compete to see who can walk, run or cycle the furthest.

Each player is given a key fob which they tap on ‘Beat Boxes’ placed around the the area to win points, which are added to an online leaderboard.

However, a resident is concerned some parents have been driving and parking inappropriately around Beat Boxes, winning points the easy way.

The concerns has prompted organisers to relocate one of the boxes.

A Chickerell resident, who wishes to remain anonymous, said: “I experienced an incident on Chickerell Link Road. I thought we were being held up by someone who had broken down, but it turned out to be a parent who pulled to the side of the road to let their child play Beat the Street.

“I thought this is a recipe for disaster.”

Chickerell Link Road has a 50mph speed limit and cars are not allowed to stop or park there.

The resident added: “I think Beat the Street is a great initiative and children seem to be loving it and have taken it up, but I think some parents are being irresponsible by taking the quick option by driving around in their cars and not thinking about potential hazards on the roads.

“I don’t think a Beat Box should be on a road where people may not think about stopping. The road is very dangerous, it’s not a parking road.”

A spokesman for Beat the Street said: “All Beat Boxes have been fully risk assessed by Beat the Street and approved by Dorset County Council. The aim of Beat the Street is to encourage people to ditch the car and walk and cycle more – anyone dropping people off by car at this Beat Box has not only broken traffic laws but the rules of the game.

“However, following feedback from players we are currently working to move the Beat Box to a different but nearby location.”

Mayor of Weymouth and Portland, Cllr Gill Taylor, said it was a shame some people haven’t been playing the game properly.

She said: “This is about people increasing fitness by getting out and walking. It’s really sad people think it’s appropriate they should go around in cars. The game isn’t intended for cars, it’s not part of the project.

“I would encourage people to get out and play by walking or cycling. So many people go around today in cars and they miss parts of our beautiful town.”

  • Beat the Street runs until Wednesday, November 14. For more information visit beatthestreet.me/weymouthandportland