Drivers who use some of Medway’s busiest roads could be fined if they stop or park under new plans.

The council has launched a consultation on introducing London-style “red routes” across the district in a bid to help reduce congestion.

This means drivers wouldn’t be able to stop, load or park along red lined roads at any time.

The concept is in place in other areas across the country, including London, and aims to reduce congestion and help keep traffic moving.

It also prevents illegal and unsafe parking.

Motorists in the capital currently pay a £160 fine if they are caught not abiding by the restrictions.

Five roads in Medway have been announced as the first phase of red routes and depending on public feedback, could be introduced by the end of the year.

These include:

1.Corporation Street between The Esplanade continuing onto Star Hill

2.Star Hill between Corporation Street and New Road/City Way

3.Best Street between Union Street and Railway Street

4.The Brook between The Brook Theatre, Whiffens Avenue and the junction of New Road (including Union Street)

5.A2 Rainham High Street between Maidstone Road and Meresborough Road

All bus stops and pedestrian crossings along these routes would remain in place and parking bays would not be affected.

The red routes would be enforced using smart camera technology, which captures vehicle registration numbers.

If the proposal is implemented there would be an initial warning period to ensure residents understand the new system.

Once this finishes, motorists who do not follow the rules would be fined.

The council say any money paid would be reinvested back into Medway’s streets to improve the road network. It is not clear yet how much the fines would be.

‘We want to help keep Medway moving by trying to reduce traffic congestion and make journey times more reliable.’

Restrictions don’t apply to emergency services vehicles and licensed taxis as well as blue badge holders can stop to pick up or drop someone off – providing the badge is clearly displayed.

The red routes programme is part of Medway Council’s wider transport plan.

Their most recent scheme was introducing “School Streets”, although some residents and parents have already expressed their concerns.

If you want to have your say in the consultation, click here.

It launched today (July 5) and will end at midnight on Sunday, July 30.

Cllr Simon Curry, portfolio holder covering transport strategy, said: “This initiative is all part of Medway’s plan for safer, healthier streets and our ongoing work to keep Medway moving.

“We are committed to investing in our transport network to help us meet our environmental, health and transport objectives to make the district an even safer place to travel around.

“I would encourage residents and businesses to have their say on the plans.”

Cllr Tris Osborne, portfolio holder covering parking enforcement, added: “We want to help keep Medway moving by trying to reduce traffic congestion and make journey times more reliable.

“We think that introducing red routes on some of our busiest roads and enforcing them using cameras will help.”

The council say all feedback from the consultation will be taken into account for the initial locations, as well as potential future areas.