Traffic restrictions introduced near more schools

A traffic management scheme is being expanded to include roads outside more schools next month.

Medway Council will introduce its School Streets scheme at Horsted Primary School in Chatham and the neighbouring Crest Infant School and Delce Academy in Rochester on 8 June.

Restrictions mean motorists cannot enter impacted roads at the beginning and end of the school day.

Nine new streets will be added to the scheme in total, with areas outside 12 schools already included.

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

But Medway Council has faced scrutiny from motorists unhappy after receiving fines for driving down some roads.

More than 33,000 fines have been issued under the scheme since its introduction in March 2024, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Those who drive into the restricted streets during the hours of operation can receive a £70 fine, reduced to £35 if paid within two weeks.

Plans are in motion for a School Street zone at St William of Perth Catholic Primary School in Rochester, but no implementation date has been confirmed.

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