Published: Tuesday, 14th January 2025

Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras have been installed at 17 locations to help improve safety and congestion on Medway’s roads.

The cameras will be used to enforce existing traffic restrictions which are in place to help keep everyone safe.

We already enforces moving traffic offences at eight locations. The cameras at the new locations will be switched on from Monday, 20 January 2025.

The 17 additional locations where ANPR cameras have been installed are:

  • Chatham High Street - motor vehicle restriction (pedestrian zone).  Access point from Batchelor Street, Chatham - no motor vehicles restriction
  • Whittaker Street/High Street, Chatham, in connection to the above (Chatham High Street) - no entry restriction
  • Chatham High Street (access point from Clover Street, Chatham) - no entry restriction
  • Rochester High Street junction with Star Hill, Rochester - right turn ban
  • Gillingham High Street (Green Street access point to Gillingham High Street) - no entry restriction
  • Gillingham High Street (Kings Street, access onto Gillingham High Street) - no entry restriction
  • Gillingham High Street (James Street access points to Gillingham High Street) - no entry restriction
  • A2 High Street junction with B2002 Station Road, Strood - yellow box junction
  • Chatham Hill junction with Luton Road, Chatham - yellow box junction
  • Maidstone Road, Chatham, Bus Interchange - yellow box junction
  • A2 Corporation Street junction with Esplanade, Rochester - yellow box junction
  • Station Road junction with Friary Place, Strood - yellow box junction
  • A2 London Road junction with Gravesend Road, Strood - yellow box junction
  • A2 High Street, Strood junction with Esplanade, Strood - yellow box junction
  • A2 Corporation Street junction with Gas House Road, Rochester - yellow box junction
  • A2 Corporation Street junction with Bardell Terrace - yellow box junction
  • A2 junction with Castle View Road, Strood - yellow box junction.

These traffic restrictions are already in place and no new restrictions are being introduced as part of this change.

ANPR cameras will capture the vehicle registration number of motorists who do not comply with the traffic signs and road markings at these sites.

The footage will be reviewed by trained Medway Council staff before a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) is issued. Emergency services will continue to be exempt.

For the first six months a warning letter will be sent for a first-time offence. However, repeat offences within this six-month period will result in a PCN being issued.

Income generated through PCNs will be used to cover the set-up and running costs of enforcement. Any additional income will be invested back into Medway’s roads through highway repairs, public transport infrastructure improvements and environmental projects.

Keep Medway moving and create safer and healthier streets for everyone

Cllr Alex Paterson, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, Highways and Enforcement, said: “As a motorist there is nothing more frustrating than sticking to the rules while a selfish minority flout them and go unpunished. Those committing these moving traffic offences are a source of daily irritation to thousands of residents, adding to congestion and putting other road users in danger. By using these powers we can help support police enforcement to keep Medway moving and create safer and healthier streets for everyone.”

Previously, moving traffic offences could only be enforced by the police. Following a public consultation in 2022, the government granted Medway Council the ability to enforce moving traffic offences in July 2023. The police will continue to enforce offences across Medway, including at these locations.

Find out more about moving traffic offences and these changes

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