by Joe Walker

joewalker@thekmgroup.co.uk

A number plate-catching camera could soon be installed in Herne Bay to tackle drivers ignoring a traffic ban in the town’s pedestrian zone.

Councillors have called for the specialist technology to be introduced in a crackdown on nuisance motorists whizzing through parts of Mortimer Street, William Street and Bank Street.

But county council bigwigs won’t give the green light to a camera until other measures have failed, prompting councillors to vote this week for a blanket ban on all traffic through the pedestrian zone.

The proposal – which will be considered next year - will force businesses to take deliveries outside the prohibition time of 10.30am to 4.30pm.

Currently only unloading and loading is allowed during this time, but motorists have long-ignored the ban

Cllr Peter Lee said: “We want to make the town more attractive and don’t want to see trade drift away. We need to encourage the café culture, with tables and chairs outside, but that’s only okay if you can walk in the road safely.

“Quite honestly the best situation would be to put a camera up, take licence plates down and put a penalty notice in the post.”

A meeting on Tuesday heard the current ban is hard to enforce, with traffic wardens powerless to stop drivers ignoring the restrictions.

Cllr Ron Flaherty said: “We’ve got to get a grip of this. We’ve been sitting here for 20 years moaning about the pedestrian zone.

“Businesses will moan about deliveries, but just look at Canterbury. Everything stops at 9am and starts again at 4pm. What’s so different about Herne Bay?

County councillor Jean Law added: “If we’ve shown we’ve done everything to alleviate the problem and it hasn’t worked then we will have a case for camera control.

“We want people to enjoy the café culture and if that means banning all traffic form 10 till four then so be it.”

What do you think? Leave a comment below.