A senior councillor says moves to introduce red routes were originally suggested as a revenue generator and have nothing to do with public health or congestion issues.

Medway Tory leader Adrian Gulvin has questioned claims the proposed move was solely aimed at improving residents’ wellbeing.

He has revealed the scheme was put forward as part of an annual council “star chamber” meeting where suggestions are made for ideas on reducing spending or increasing revenue.

The councillor, who replaced former leader Alan Jarrett after May’s local elections, was present at the get-together as a cabinet member in the previous Tory administration, which was defeated by Labour.

Earlier this month, current community safety and enforcement portfolio holder, Cllr Tristan Osborne, dismissed public complaints the project was about making money.

He said: “Ultimately this is about improving and reducing delays and lowering congestion, it’s not about raising revenue. Transport and getting people moving absolutely is one of our key priorities.”

However, Cllr Gulvin says if the red routes were for reducing congestion they would be better placed elsewhere in the Towns.

And, he believes, the five current proposed areas will only negatively affect businesses and hit motorists with fines for council coffers.

The scheme will change road rules meaning vehicles can’t stop in red-lined areas for any length of time during certain parts of the day.

Motorists who do this, can face hefty fines – in London drivers are hit with £160 charges, but Medway is yet to set a cost level.

The council consulted on five possible areas where red routes will apply across the Towns, including sections of Corporation Street, Rochester; Star Hill, Rochester; Best Street, Chatham; The Brook, Chatham; and High Street, Rainham.

The scheme has been used in many cities around the UK, including London, Leeds, and the West Midlands, but has received pushback from some residents in Medway.

The council’s consultation for the proposed red routes ended on July 30 and its findings will be reported next month.

Cllr Osborne was approached for comment on Cllr Gulvin’s claims but declined to directly comment, referring us to Medway Labour Party political officer.

He said: “If the previous administration viewed red routes purely as a money-making scheme, that says a lot more about them than it does for Medway’s new Labour administration.

“We are getting on with delivering the things residents have told us they want to see in Medway, less congestion and cleaner air.”

“We had a positive consultation with the public which closed at the end of July – and have listened to the people of Medway on ways we can make these schemes even better, and look forward to sharing some of these ideas at the Cabinet meeting in September.”