Residents are being encouraged to have their say on plans to make Medway’s roads even safer and reduce congestion.
In 2020, the government announced that local authorities would be able to enforce moving traffic offences such as driving through a ‘No Entry’ sign, stopping in a yellow box junction, making banned turns and driving in areas where vehicles are prohibited. However, to use these new powers, councils have to apply for permission from the government.
We have today (Monday, 20 June) launched a consultation on how we plan to use the powers and are encouraging residents to have their say.
Initially, we are looking into enforcing the following signs, and road markings, at the below locations:
- Gillingham and Rochester High Streets - enforce the no motor vehicles restrictions to make them even safer for pedestrians;
- Rock Avenue junction with A2, Gillingham - enforce the yellow box restrictions to help reduce congestion;
- A2 Watling Street, Gillingham - enforce yellow box restrictions at the junctions with Ash Tree Lane and Canterbury Street to help ease congestion;
- A2 High Street, Rainham - enforce the right turn ban into Orchard Street to help reduce congestion;
- Gibraltar Hill junction with A230 Maidstone Road - enforce yellow box restriction to ease congestion;
- Cuxton Road, High Street junction with Gun Lane, Strood – enforce yellow box and other access restrictions to help reduce congestion;
- Whittaker Street/High Street, Chatham, including the junction with The Brook – enforce pedestrian zone/no entry restrictions to make the high street even safer for pedestrians.
To enforce the restrictions, Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras would be installed and Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) would be issued to motorists who break the rules.
After the consultation, Cabinet will review the feedback and decide whether we will apply to the government for the powers to enforce the highway restrictions. If approved, we will be able to enforce moving traffic offences in 2023.
Residents are being encouraged to have their say on the plans by 11.59pm on Sunday, 31 July.
If the plans are given the green light, additional enforcement locations across Medway will be considered in due course and residents will be able to have their say before they are introduced.
Keeping Medway moving
Cllr Phil Filmer, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Frontline Services, said: “We are committed to keeping Medway moving and these new powers could make Medway’s roads safer and help reduce congestion. I would encourage residents, and businesses, to have their say on the proposals.”