Council accused of 'money-making' scheme after earning £680,000 from 'school gate' fines

The initiative, which was launched in March 2024, was revealed this week to have issued just shy of 25,000 Penalty Charge Notices to date, raking in approximately £678,690.

But people living near the affected schools say the move has simply diverted congestion onto surrounding streets, and claim motorists continue to speed past the school gates regardless.

Residents living near Burnt Oak Primary School in Gillingham, one of the sites covered by Medway Council’s restrictions, say they are repeatedly forced to contest fines despite being exempt.

While some locals claim the restrictions have made roads around the schools safer, others have slammed them as a “money-making scheme”.

Charmaine Gordon, who recently moved to Gillingham from Croydon where similar rules are in place, said the problems around Burnt Oak are far worse.

The mother-of-eight argued that the London restrictions did not lead to the levels of poor parking she has seen near the school.

She told Kent Live: "I can understand it, because there were cars speeding down and it was dangerous for children.

"But at the same time, it's a nuisance. It's just to make money for the council.

"They're trying to make money because they are losing money in a lot of ways."

Ms Gordon also noted that officials were overlooking motorists with valid reasons who were not aware of the restrictions.

She added: "If it's an elderly person, they should get their fine lifted."

Mother-of-two Dayna Rowe, who lives on a neighbouring road to the school, claimed she was forced to fork out when she moved to area earlier this year, despite being unaware of the controls.

The 36-year-old said: "It was my fault, but it's a very small sign and a lot of people are caught by them. I don't use that road anymore."

"People used it as a cut-through and the restrictions have pushed them onto this road now. It's a nightmare.

"I think the restrictions are more of a money-making thing from the council. And you do wonder where the money is going, because the roads are still in a disastrous state."

A Medway Council spokesman said: "The School Streets initiative has been designed to create safer, healthier streets for all of Medway's children, and is having a positive impact on road safety.

"Inevitably new restrictions can take a while to get used to, which is why we issued warning notices for first time offences during the initial six month period.

"We will continue to review the scheme and hope most residents, road users and parents appreciate the impact it is having to improve safety."

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