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A council has slammed 'dangerous' drivers for moving a barrier in a pedestrianised high street and reversing up the road.
Swale council said it had received reports of people shifting barricades in Sheerness High Street, which has been pedestrianised temporarily.
A council spokesman said: "If there's a barrier blocking a road that's been closed to make it safe for pedestrians – and we can't believe we're having to say this – you should not move it and reverse up the road!
"Unbelievably, we've had reports of people doing this on Sheerness High Street and, not only is it an offence, it's so obviously an incredibly dangerous thing to do.
"The road has been temporarily pedestrianised to make it easier for people to socially distance when they're visiting local shops.
"This is to help local businesses – that were shut for months – safely reopen and give shoppers the reassurance and confidence to go back to our high streets, and reduce the risk of coronavirus spreading in our local communities."
He added: "We're seeing more and more places across the country beginning to reimpose restrictions to prevent the spread of coronavirus, and no-one wants that to happen here.
"We're seeing more and more places across the country beginning to reimpose restrictions to prevent the spread of coronavirus, and no-one wants that to happen here."
"We've had some positive feedback from shoppers, but we know it's inconvenient for some so we've tried to help as much as we can, but our first priority is – and always will be – keeping you safe.
"So please: be kind, be patient, stay safe."
Earlier this month, approval was granted for the pedestrianisation of Sheerness High Street for up to six months.
The order was signed off by Kent County Council, which is the authority in charge of the running and management of roads in the area, and means the road is shut to traffic from 10am until 4pm every day, apart from Sundays.
Sheerness Broadway will also be closed at the same time.
Over the bridge, Sittingbourne High Street has also seen additional restrictions to traffic introduced.
The road, from the existing gate near the junction with Station Street to the junction with Central Avenue, is shut between 10am and 4pm from Monday to Thursday. The restriction first began on Thursday, June 25.
