• 4 months ago
Whilst neighbours say the scheme has seen a reduction in traffic - some say it's left them trapped in their homes with taxis and other support not reaching them with fears of being fined.

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00:00It's a scheme designed to make dropping children off at school safer.
00:04Medway Council introduced the enforcement to seven streets earlier this year.
00:09And it's monitored by these cameras.
00:11Warnings issued to any vehicles ignoring the restricted hours.
00:16We've seen data which shows the highest number of warnings issued came in the first month of the scheme.
00:21But it's gradually been increasing, suggesting motorists are flouting the rules.
00:27Despite this, the council has confirmed a further rollout.
00:31We've earmarked a second tranche of schools which are going to benefit from the school streets scheme.
00:37And I am aware of other schools who have approached us asking if they can be involved too.
00:43We're not trying to build Rome in a day.
00:45So what do current streets make of the scheme?
00:48We should be allowed to be able to come and go when we want.
00:52Especially as she lives here.
00:54But because I haven't got a car, I suppose they won't give me a permit.
00:57She doesn't drive and her husband doesn't drive.
01:00I'm the only one that does, dilly me.
01:03It's a nightmare.
01:04It is.
01:05We'll just say, for example, she needs an x-ray.
01:08You need to get to the hospital early because otherwise you can't get a space.
01:13She can't walk that distance.
01:15She can't walk that distance and get on a bus.
01:18Taxis are not allowed along here.
01:21So how would she get to any appointments?
01:23What would you say to people who are reliant on supporters and carers
01:26to pick them up during restricted hours?
01:28What should they do if they are receiving fines?
01:31Well, we've got a range of exemptions which apply to people who can be eligible for
01:35because they're a resident, because they may be dropping a child off with a disability
01:40or indeed if they are a blue badge holder themselves.
01:43But we are not robots at Medway Council.
01:46Although this is being enforced by ANPR cameras,
01:50these tickets will be assessed by a human being
01:53and if there are extenuating circumstances then I would encourage people to get in touch.
01:58But back on Glencoe Road, some neighbours say they have noticed fewer cars in the morning.
02:04They stop them coming up at certain times.
02:06It's the right time to do it.
02:07The kids are safe when I send my son to school every morning.
02:10There's no one hitting the kerbs or jumping on the kerbs
02:13or people flying up the road anymore.
02:15It's a lot safer for them.
02:17With the start of a new school year on the horizon
02:19and fines being introduced from early September,
02:22the council says that'll send a clear message to motorists
02:25and fewer people will flout the rules.
02:28Gabriel Morris in Medway.

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