A council’s ‘safer streets’ scheme has sparked anger after school-run drivers were issued almost 25,000 fines in just a year, adding up to £680,000.
Medway Council in Kent has banned vehicles from using roads outside 11 schools during drop-off and pick-up times - 8:15–9am and 2:45–3:45pm. But many residents say the rules are confusing, unfair and simply pushing traffic problems onto nearby streets.
People living near Burnt Oak Primary School in Gillingham claim they’ve had to challenge fines repeatedly, even when they’re exempt. Others say they support safer roads but argue the signage is too small, too complicated and hasn’t stopped speeding.
The scheme, launched in March last year, has issued 24,669 Penalty Charge Notices worth £678,690.
Charmaine Gordon, 39, who recently moved from Croydon, said she understands the safety aims but believes the council is using the scheme to make money. She added that drivers with genuine reasons or those unfamiliar with the area aren’t being shown enough leniency.
Another resident, Dayna Rowe, 36, was fined shortly after moving in because she didn’t see the sign. She says the restrictions have redirected traffic to her street, making it difficult even to leave her driveway.
Locals also complain that congestion is now worse elsewhere and that road conditions remain poor despite the income from fines.
Others, like long-term resident Adrian Pender, say the signs are so wordy that drivers can’t read them quickly enough. Some parents struggle to find parking at all, claiming the lack of space means arriving almost an hour early to get a spot.
One mother says her partner keeps getting fined even though his car is registered as exempt, forcing them into repeated appeals.
While some residents agree with the idea of safer school streets, many feel the execution is flawed and overly focused on revenue.
Medway Council said the scheme is improving safety and that first-time offenders received warnings during the first six months. The council says it will continue to review how the scheme operates.
