Drivers to be fined for stopping in three towns

Medway District Council said there would be clear signage along each of the routes

Red routes will launch in Medway next month in an effort to increase traffic flow and reduce travel times.

Double red lines will be painted on five streets in Rochester, Chatham and Rainham, meaning road users will be fined for stopping, parking or loading their vehicles while on them.

The red lines will replace the current double yellow lines, which Medway District Council said would help enforce restrictions already in place.

Any income generated by the red routes will be spent on council services, including the maintenance and improvement of roads and filling of potholes, according to the council.

Councillor Simon Curry, portfolio holder for climate change and strategic regeneration, said: “The new red routes are great news for residents and everyone using Medway’s roads.

Red routes were recently introduced in London Road, Lewes Road and Preston Road in Brighton

“By tackling congestion, we can help people get where they want to be faster, while making our roads safer. This can only improve quality of life for people living and working in Medway, and I look forward to seeing the impact of the new routes.”

Drivers can use designated parking places and loading bays along the routes, which come in to force in May - though their exact launch date has not yet been confirmed.

Red routes will be in:

Rochester

• Corporation Street between The Esplanade continuing onto Star Hill

• Star Hill between Corporation Street and New Road/City Way

Chatham

• Best Street between Union Street and Railway Street

• The Brook between The Brook Theatre, Whiffen’s Avenue and the junction of New Road (including Union Street)

Rainham

• Rainham High Street between Maidstone Road and High Dewar Road.