Traffic enforcement cameras to come into effect

New cameras are to go live to catch drivers performing illegal manoeuvres.

Yellow box, no right-hand turn and no vehicle entry restrictions are to be enforced at 17 locations across the Medway towns from Monday.

The rules are already in place but the new automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras are being introduced to ensure those who break the rules are fined.

Cameras are being put in at six locations in Chatham, five in Strood, four in Rochester, and three in Gillingham, said the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

A warning period will be in place for the first six months.

Motorists who break the rules will be issued a warning letter on the first occasion, and any following instances will see them issued a penalty charge notice (PCN).

They will be fined £35 if paid within two weeks of the PCN being issued, or £70 if paid after that.

Medway Council held a public consultation on the introduction of the cameras in the new locations last year.

The majority of respondents supported the scheme, but many felt it would be ineffective, unnecessary, or believed the cameras were primarily for making the council money.

The footage will be reviewed by officers who will have the final say on if a fine should be issued, the authority said.

• In Strood: ANPR cameras will monitor yellow box junctions at the A2 High Street junction with B2002 Station Road and the junction with Esplanade, the Station Road junction with Friary Place, the A2 junction with Castle View Road, and the A2 London Road junction with Gravesend Road.
• In Rochester: Three cameras are on the A2 Corporation Street at the yellow box junctions with Esplanade, Gas House Road, and with Bardell Terrace, and an additional camera will enforce the no right-hand turn at the junction between Rochester High Street and Star Hill.
• In Chatham: Three cameras will monitor entry on to Chatham High Street from Batchelor Street, Church Street/Whittaker Street, and Clover Street, while two cameras will focus on yellow box junctions at the Chatham Hill junction with Luton Road and on Maidstone Road at the bus Interchange.
• In Gillingham: The three cameras will monitor vehicles entering Gillingham High Street from Green Street, Kings Street, and James Street.

Alex Paterson, Medway Council's Labour portfolio holder for community safety, highways and enforcement, said: "As a motorist there is nothing more frustrating than sticking to the rules while a selfish minority flout them and go unpunished.

"Those committing these moving traffic offences are a source of daily irritation to thousands of residents, adding to congestion and putting other road users in danger."

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