DRIVERS who share their cars could get priority over other road users on a key east Kent dual carriageway.

In a radical move to try to ease congestion during the rush hour, county transport chiefs want one lane along a stretch of the A256 at Sandwich to be used only by those who share their cars, buses and taxis.

The proposal, which would be incorporated into a programme of improvements for the East Kent Access, would see commuters who share journeys given priority use of one lane between the Pfizer roundabout and the Richborough roundabout at Sandwich.

Car sharers would get priority in both directions during peak traffic periods. Drivers travelling alone would face fines if caught using the lane.

County councillors will consider the proposed scheme next Tuesday. If Kent County Council does decide to go ahead, the A256 would be the first road in the county to give priority to “green” commuters.

The initiative could benefit hundreds of workers from Pfizers, one of Kent’s largest employers, as well as others.

It would also be the first time in the country that such a scheme has been implemented outside a large city. Only two similar lanes currently exist – in Bristol and Leeds.

However, the proposal has already sparked concerns. Some fear KCC’s plan to put the car-sharing lane on the off-side lane could be dangerous, with drivers switching lanes as they approach roundabouts.

Others fear it will be hard to enforce and Kent Police has already told KCC it could not patrol the lane.

County councillors will be told congestion on local roads is expected to worsen as the local economy continues to improve and more businesses locate in east Kent.

In a report, transport chiefs state: “The A256 through the Sandwich Corridor exhibits the problems of congestion and over-dependence on the use of the car that will increase as economic development proceeds.”

Cllr Graham Gibbens, the chairman of KCC’s Highways Board, said: “Questions have been asked about how it could be policed and properly managed. However, I fully support anything which can encourage car sharing as it is in the interests of the environment and commuters.”

Cllr Richard King (Con), KCC cabinet member for the environment, echoed: “If it encourages people to share their cars, then it is a good idea in principle.”

KCC says the lane will not be introduced until it has consulted widely.

Before then, the second stage of improvements to the A256, between the River Stour viaduct and Ramsgate Road roundabout, will be open in October when a 50mph speed limit along the dual carriageway will be imposed.