A new batch of automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras have been installed in one part of Kent and are due to be switched on very soon. Medway Council is continuing its efforts to clamp down on moving traffic offences across the Medway towns, with the cameras now in place along 17 more key routes.
In July 2023, the council was granted powers to enforce such offences which were previously only handled by police. ANPR cameras were then installed along eight routes across the district at the start of 2024 including stretches of Gillingham High Street, Rochester High Street, the A2 Rainham Road and Chatham Hill.
With the use of this equipment, the council is able to better enforce yellow boxes, no right-turns, and no vehicle entries. A public consultation took place between May 15 and June 26 last year for the rollout of more cameras at 17 other locations, with these proposals ultimately greenlit in July.
Now that the cameras are in place, the council has advised drivers that they are to be switched on from Monday, January 20. ANPR cameras will capture the vehicle registration number of motorists who do not comply with the traffic signs and road markings at these sites.
Footage will be reviewed by trained Medway Council staff before a penalty charge notice (PCN) is issued. During the first six months, a warning letter will be sent for a first-time offence but repeat offences within this period will result in a PCN being issued.
The council has stated that income generated through PCNs will be used to cover the set-up and running costs of enforcement. Meanwhile, any additional profit will be used to maintain Medway’s roads through highway repairs, public transport infrastructure improvements and environmental projects.
Cllr Alex Paterson, Medway Council’s 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. By using these powers we can help support police enforcement to keep Medway moving and create safer and healthier streets for everyone.”
The 17 new ANPR sites in Medway
See below for the full list of sites in Medway where ANPR cameras will be in operation from Monday, January 20
(Image: Graham Young/Reach PLC)
Here are the 17 Medway sites where new ANPR cameras will be in effect to enforce moving traffic offences from Monday, January 20 2025:
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Chatham High Street – motor vehicle restriction (pedestrian zone). Access point from Batchelor Street, Chatham – no motor vehicles restriction;
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Whittaker Street/High Street, Chatham, in connection to the above (Chatham High Street) – no entry restriction;
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Chatham High Street (access point from Clover Street, Chatham) – no entry restriction;
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Rochester High Street junction with Star Hill, Rochester – right turn ban;
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Gillingham High Street (Green Street access point to Gillingham High Street) – no entry restriction;
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Gillingham High Street (Kings Street, access onto Gillingham High Street) – no entry restriction;
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Gillingham High Street (James Street access points to Gillingham High Street) – no entry restriction;
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A2 High Street junction with B2002 Station Road, Strood – yellow box junction;
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Chatham Hill junction with Luton Road, Chatham – yellow box junction;
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Maidstone Road, Chatham, Bus Interchange – yellow box junction;
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A2 Corporation Street junction with Esplanade, Rochester – yellow box junction;
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Station Road junction with Friary Place, Strood – yellow box junction;
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A2 London Road junction with Gravesend Road, Strood – yellow box junction;
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A2 High Street, Strood junction with Esplanade, Strood – yellow box junction;
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A2 Corporation Street junction with Gas House Road, Rochester – yellow box junction;
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A2 Corporation Street junction with Bardell Terrace – yellow box junction;
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A2 junction with Castle View Road, Strood – yellow box junction.
How much you could be fined and how to pay
The cost of a PCN will vary depending on the severity of the offence. Fines must be paid within 28 days and are reduced by 50 per cent if paid within the first 14 days.
The fine costs are as follows:
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£70 reduced to £35 if paid within 14 days for higher level PCNs;
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£50, reduced to £25 if paid within 14 days for lower level PCNs;
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£60 reduced to £30 if paid within 14 days for bus lane or moving traffic contraventions. If you have not paid after 28 days, the cost will rise to £90.
In order to pay for a fine, you will need your PCN number and vehicle registration. These fines can be paid online through the Medway Council website here.
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