Rochester High Street traffic improvement consultation

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.

In 2025 we consulted on our proposal to extend the Saturday vehicle restrictions to Sundays and bank holidays to improve traffic enforcement along the High Street.

In total 421 people completed the survey. The feedback shows:

• more than 80% supported our proposal to extend the vehicle restrictions
• nearly 60% supported our proposal to introduce Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) camera enforcement for the ‘no vehicle’ restrictions and the banned turns at Boley Hill.

Having reviewed all of the feedback, we're addressing the following issues:

• access to The French Hospital: exemptions will be made for those requiring access
• concern about loading and unloading for businesses: we’ll continue working with affected businesses to ensure their operations can function effectively
• concern about the impact of removal of physical barriers on safety: ANPR enforcement will strengthen compliance. However, we recognise the importance of monitoring the impact of ANPR only enforcement on pedestrian safety and will continue to monitor sites on the high street. We’ll update the restriction signage, increase coverage of the permanent advanced warning signs and place temporary signs in the wider area so people know about the new traffic arrangements if the scheme is introduced
• resident access during restricted hours: residents of Rochester High Street and other exempt vehicles will continue to have access. New signage will make it clear that some vehicles are permitted during restricted times.

Our proposals are subject to statutory consultation. This includes advertising the proposals in the local press and on street signs in the area.

The consultation period has been extended and will now close at 11.59pm on Friday 17 July 2026.

You can have your say by emailing traffic.management@medway.gov.uk.

We'll write to residents and businesses after the statutory consultation closes to let you know about the outcome and next steps.

If the proposals are approved, we’re aiming to introduce the new restrictions in summer 2026.