Rochester High Street traffic improvement consultation

We asked to hear your views on our proposed changes.

The consultation closed at midnight on Sunday 21 September 2025.

For the past 20 years, vehicle access has been restricted on Rochester High Street on Saturdays.

We’re proposing a series of traffic measures to build on this success and make the street safer and more enjoyable for everyone.

We would introduce ‘no vehicle’ restrictions on Sundays and bank holidays, operating between 10am to 4pm. This would be the same as the existing Saturday restrictions, creating a consistent pedestrian-friendly environment across the weekend and bank holidays.

To better manage access to the high street while the restriction is in place, we would introduce ANPR cameras at Blue Boar Lane, Crow Lane and Boley Hill. This would:

• create better pedestrian access
• help prevent unauthorised vehicles from entering
• allow access for emergency vehicles and permitted vehicles when needed.

We would also better manage the enforcement of existing banned right and left turns at Boley Hill. This would:

• ensure higher levels of compliance
• reduce unauthorised vehicle access to the high street
• help maintain a safer environment.

Automatic number place recognition (ANPR) cameras

ANPR cameras are currently used to enforce the 'no vehicle' restrictions at Northgate. 

If the new restrictions are implemented, we will remove existing physical chains and replace them with ANPR cameras. This effects:

• Blue Boar Lane
• Crow Lane.

Some motorists currently move or ignore the chain barriers. The ANPR cameras will help enforce restrictions fairly and be consistent across the high street.

This approach would maintain access for emergency vehicles and discourage unauthorised vehicles.

Road signs

We've also been reviewing road signs in the area to make sure they are clear, visible, and easy to understand. 

Existing signage would be updated to reflect the new restrictions.

Six-month warning period

A six-month warning period is a mandatory requirement. It ensures a fair and consistent enforcement of any changes.

For each location with a new ANPR camera, a warning notice will be issued for a drivers first contravention. 

If a second contravention occurs, a Penalty Notice Charge (PNC) will be issued.

By introducing these changes to Rochester High Street, we can:

• create more space for walkers and shoppers, especially on weekends and bank holidays when the area is busy with foot traffic
• give visitors more time to enjoy Rochester with limited traffic 
• encourage people to stay longer and support our local businesses
• better enforce traffic rules to reduce the number of unauthorised vehicles and make the high street safer.

The government extended existing legislation in 2022 to allow local authorities to enforce 'moving traffic offences'.

We now have powers to enforce restrictions, including:

• driving in bus lanes
• stopping in yellow box junctions
• making banned turns
• driving the wrong way on one-way streets. 

Find out more about moving traffic offences.

Information for residents

Residents who are permitted access to restricted areas of the high street under the current restrictions will continue to have access if the proposals are introduced. 

For further information, email consultation@projectcentre.co.uk.

All feedback from the consultation will be reviewed and considered to help inform our next steps.

Outcomes of the consultation will be presented to councillors as part of our decision making process.