Consultation over controversial plans to introduce London-style red routes on some of Medway’s roads closes at the end of this week.

People have until December 22 to provide feedback on the latest proposals.

The consultation is for a proposed Traffic Regulation Order which would introduce double red lines in areas of Chatham, Rochester and Rainham.

It means drivers would not be able to stop, load or park along red-lined roads at any time.

The plans have proved controversial since the Labour group first consulted on them back in July, with concerns being raised that they would negatively impact businesses, have little benefit for congestion or air quality, and were purely a money-making scheme.

The proposals are to replace double-yellow lines on five streets with stricter double-red lines and install smart cameras that would catch motorists who parked illegally. The whole scheme will cost £805,000.

If approved, the red routes would be introduced in Corporation Street and Star Hill in Rochester; Best Street and The Brook in Chatham, and the A2 High Street in Rainham.

Drivers who park in those zones could face a fine of up to £160, which is the current penalty in London where the scheme has been in place since 1991.

The plans were originally proposed by Medway Council’s Conservative administration last year, but the group now opposes some aspects of the scheme.

They argue the proposed Rainham route should be scrapped as July’s consultation showed 61% of respondents opposed that section.

However, only 975 people responded to the July consultation, with 475 of Rainham’s approximate 35,000 population opposing the A2 red route.

It was on this basis of a lack of public support that the Tory group called in the cabinet decision to progress the red routes scheme, meaning it had to go to the regeneration, culture and environment overview and scrutiny committee for further discussion.

The committee ultimately voted to approve the decision made by cabinet with no changes, with all Tory councillors voting against but the Labour majority supporting.

Recently, the Medway Green Party came out in opposition to red routes, saying money could be better spent on encouraging people to use alternative transport to tackle air pollution.

They also said the supposed benefits from red routes could not be proven and that the way the council was approaching the scheme was undemocratic.

In a statement, the Medway Greens said: “These plans from Labour are simply a continuation of the Conservatives’ failing transport and active travel policies.

“We believe that the said claims that these red routes will improve traffic flow, penalise anti-social parking effectively and improve air quality, all have no factual basis.

“The Medway Green Party fundamentally believes in making local democracy happen by actively engaging with the public and local businesses on these issues.

“We believe in fact-based policies and improving our transport network for the health and movement of our residents."

Following rounds of consultation, the proposals have been adapted, with additional loading bays being added to the A2 Rainham High Street, Corporation Street and Star Hill routes.

More information about the red route proposals is available here.

The current consultation closes on December 22 and people can have their say by emailing parkingdesign@medway.gov.uk .