A local council is expanding a scheme that could see drivers fined £70 for driving near schools at certain times. Medway Council, in Kent, is extending its School Streets Scheme to three more schools and nine additional roads, bringing the total number of covered locations to 12.
What is a School Street?
A School Street is a road outside a school that has temporary vehicle restrictions during drop-off and pick-up times on school term days. During these periods, the road becomes a pedestrian and cycle-only area. Restrictions are not enforced on school holidays, weekends, or teacher training days.
New schools affected
The new schools impacted by restrictions starting Monday are Horsted Primary School in Chatham, Crest Infant School in Rochester, and Delce Academy in Rochester.
Criticism of the scheme
The School Streets programme has faced criticism from some motorists after it was revealed that more than 33,000 fines have been issued since its launch in March 2024. Steven Jackson, 70, from Monkton near Ramsgate, was fined after visiting Gillingham. He told the BBC: "I got fined an initial £35 last September and appealed in writing. My argument was that the signage was inadequate and, not being from the area and never having heard of the scheme, I hadn't noticed any of it. Besides, I was having to navigate some pretty serious potholes on Richmond Road whilst driving a Mini at the time, so my attention was elsewhere. Besides that though, I think anything that helps makes things safer for kids is an excellent idea - they're our future."
Council's defense
The council argues the initiative helps reduce congestion, alleviate parking problems for residents, improve air quality, and create a safer environment for children and parents traveling to school. Alex Paterson, Medway Council's portfolio holder for community safety, highways, and enforcement, described the results from monitoring the first full year of the scheme's impact as "compelling." He stated: "There has been a fall in school run car use, an increase in pedestrian journeys, and a reduction in traffic-related pollutants being breathed in by children and their carers. In short, it is doing exactly what it was supposed to do. Placed in the wider context of a 40% year-on-year reduction in child road casualties in Medway, it is clear that schemes like these, alongside our wider road safety initiatives, are an important tool to help us deliver safer, healthier streets for our children."
Express.co.uk has contacted Medway Council for comment.
