Council criticised over red routes plan

Funeral director John Weir said red routes will not solve congestion in High Street, Rainham

A council in Kent has been accused of ignoring public opinion as it prepares to launch red routes in a town.

Double red lines will be painted in High Street, Rainham, between Maidstone Road and High Dewar Road from mid-May - despite public consultation showing 84% of people against the plans.

Medway Council, which has been contacted by the BBC for a comment, believes the plans will help tackle congestion on the street.

But funeral director John Weir, whose business is in High Street, said traffic build-up in the area is not caused by parked cars.

Red lines will replace the double yellow lines in the street

He said: “In some parts of Medway, they might work. But here in Rainham, the build up of traffic flow has got very little to do with illegal parking,” he told BBC Radio Kent.

“I think the council hasn’t listened to public opinion, I think they’ve misjudged it in Rainham. I’m sure it would work, if they addressed the junction at Mierscourt Road."

Drivers can only park and load their vehicles in specific bays along the route.

Motorists will be fined if they stop, load or park their vehicles on the red lines at any time.