Traffic restrictions extended outside more schools

A traffic initiative to make streets outside schools safer for children is set to extend into nine more roads.

Medway Council's School Streets scheme - which restricts entry to those impacted areas during drop-off and pick-up times - is being expanded on Monday to include Horsted Primary School in Chatham and Crest Infant School and Delce Academy in Rochester.

Bringing the number of schools covered to 12, the aim is to create a safer environment, improve air quality and reduce congestion.

However, the programme has faced criticism from some motorists, with more than 33,000 fines said to have been issued since its introduction in March 2024.

One of those penalised was Steven Jackson, who had been visiting Gillingham from Monkton, near Ramsgate.

However, the 70-year-old got the decision overturned after arguing that he had not seen the relevant signs.

"I got fined an initial £35 last September and appealed in writing," he said.

"My argument was that the signage was inadequate and, not being from the area and never having heard of the scheme, I hadn't noticed any of it.

"Besides, I was having to navigate some pretty serious potholes on Richmond Road whilst driving a Mini at the time, so my attention was elsewhere.

"Besides that though, I think anything that helps makes things safer for kids is an excellent idea - they're our future."

The programme was first implemented after the local authority secured £486,000 from the government's Active Travel Fund.

It stipulates that those who drive into the restricted streets during the hours of operation may receive a £70 fine, reduced to £35 if paid within two weeks.

For its initial six months, first time offences were let off with a warning, with only subsequent breaches resulting in a penalty charge notice.

Residents living in affected roads and blue badge holders are able to apply for an exemption, which will allow them to avoid a fine during the specified hours.

Alex Paterson, Medway Council's portfolio holder for community safety, highways and enforcement, described the results from monitoring the first full year of the scheme's impact as "compelling".

"There has been a fall in school run car use, an increase in pedestrian journeys and a reduction in traffic-related pollutants being breathed in by children and their carers," he said.

"In short, it is doing exactly what it was supposed to do.

"Placed in the wider context of a 40% year-on-year reduction in child road casualties in Medway, it is clear that schemes like these, alongside our wider road safety initiatives, are an important tool to help us deliver safer, healthier streets for our children."

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