A local council has sparked fury after issuing a staggering 25,000 fines to drivers on the school run, amassing a total of £680,000 in revenue. Medway Council's Safer Streets Scheme, designed to improve safety, has led locals to accuse officials of being more interested in making money than protecting children.
The Controversial Scheme and Its Financial Impact
Launched in March 2023, the Safer Streets Scheme prohibits motorists from using roads outside 11 schools during designated 'school gate times'. These restrictions are in force between 8:15am and 9:00am in the morning and 2:45pm and 3:45pm in the afternoon.
In the period from March 2024 to October 2025, the council issued a total of 24,669 Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs). These fines have generated a substantial £678,690 for the council. Each fine is set at £70, reduced to £35 if paid within a fortnight.
Residents Voice Their Anger and Frustration
Residents living near the affected schools, including Burnt Oak Primary School in Gillingham, Kent, have complained that the initiative has simply displaced traffic and parking issues to neighbouring streets without solving the core safety problems.
Many argue that the council's primary motivation is revenue generation. One local stated bluntly that they believe the restrictions are a 'money-making' scheme, adding that people are still seen speeding outside the schools, undermining the safety argument.
Problems with Signage and Exemptions
A common grievance centres on the scheme's signage. Residents report that the signs are too small and overly complicated, making it difficult for drivers to understand the restrictions at a glance.
Furthermore, there are issues with the exemption system. Some residents, who are officially exempt from the rules, report being repeatedly fined and forced to go through lengthy appeal processes. One mother revealed that her partner, despite having a registered vehicle, has been fined three times, with the council allegedly arguing the problem lies with them.
Dayna Rowe, a 36-year-old mother-of-two, was fined after moving to a road adjacent to the school. While admitting fault, she highlighted the sign's poor visibility. 'It was my fault, but it's a very small sign and a lot of people are caught by them,' she said.
The restrictions have also created a parking nightmare. Demi Hunt, a 26-year-old mother with two children at Burnt Oak, now arrives nearly an hour before school finishes to secure one of the few available free parking spaces, describing it as a constant 'fight'.
Charmaine Gordon, who recently moved from Croydon where similar rules are in place, expressed a sentiment shared by many: 'I can understand it, because there were cars speeding down and it was dangerous for children. But at the same time, it's a nuisance. It's just to make money for the council.'
Medway Council was contacted for further comment on the residents' claims.
