A controversial scheme which sees traffic-free zones set up around schools banning cars during certain times of the day could be expanded.

Medway Council is inviting views on plans to increase the number of schools involved in its ‘School Streets programme’, which sees fines dished out to motorists who fail to comply.

The authority launched the initiative in March on streets around seven schools and is now asking residents for their take on the scheme being implemented at a further nine schools.

Automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras are in operation on the existing roads and serve fines to motorists who enter the road during the hours of operation - which are around the start and end of the school day.

The programme aims to make it safer for children and their guardians to get to and from school by reducing the amount of traffic passing on the roads.

The schools which the council is asking locals about expanding the scheme to are:

Crest Infant & Nursery School, Delce Academy, St William of Perth Catholic Primary School, and The King’s Pre & Preparatory in Rochester and Hilltop Primary School in Frindsbury.

Cliffe Woods Primary School and Leigh Academy High Halstow Primary Academy on the Hoo Peninsula.

St Margaret’s Infant School, St Margaret’s Church of England Junior School, and Fairview Community Primary in Rainham.

Horsted Primary in Chatham will also be included, and the council is working with New Horizons Children’s Academy and Holcombe Grammar School on an additional School Street proposal which will also go to public consultation at a later date.

The school streets programme has been in place for more than six months at six schools.

And while some residents say it has massively improved their area and made it safer, others argue it has caused unnecessary complications.

Prior to the cameras being switched on, their installation caused some controversy and one was cut down in protest.

However, the council says the scheme has been successful overall in making roads safer for children and are committed to the expansion of the scheme.

Cllr Alex Paterson (Lab), Medway Council’s portfolio holder for community safety, highways and enforcement, said: “The first School Streets have transformed active journeys to school for thousands of pupils across Medway – creating a calmer environment at the school gate, making roads safer and reducing the pollution being breathed in by young people.

“That’s why I’m committed to further rollout of the scheme where appropriate.

“I would ask residents, teachers, parents and anyone else with an interest, to help us fine-tune the details of these proposals for the next wave of School Streets, so that they can deliver the maximum benefit.”

Anyone who drives through a school street during term time when they are in operation receives a £70 fine, reduced to £35 if paid within 21 days.

Residents of the streets can apply for an exemption pass which means they can enter the roads during the hours of operation and don’t receive a fine.

Emergency vehicles are also exempt and taxis carrying blue badge holders can appeal the fine.

A consultation will launched to residents from September 16 and more information as well as how to respond can be found on the website here.

The deadline for responses is six weeks later on October 27.