New ‘red routes’ are due to come into effect from next Monday (May 20) on some roads in Kent. And there seems confusion locally over what they are and how they work.

The controversial move will see double yellow lines turning red. But the scheme has been questioned by traders and residents, says Kent Live.

The change in the past week, which has often happened overnight, comes ahead of the introduction of tougher parking restrictions this month. The so-called red routes are being installed in five parts of the Medway Towns and drivers will be fined for stopping unnecessarily or parking in the new zones.

The key differences are that loading and Blue Badge parking is permitted on double yellows – but not on double reds. Cameras will monitor each area and anyone caught breaking the new rules, which come into force on May 20, will be fined £70 – reduced to £35 if paid within a certain time period.

For the first six months of the scheme, warning letters will be sent for a first offence, rather than fines. The new red routes cover parts of Corporation Street and Star Hill in Rochester, The Brook and Best Street in Chatham, and A2 Rainham High Street.

They have specific loading and delivery bays, as well as disabled bays, where drivers are allowed to stop and will not be fined. Medway Council says it hopes it will ease congestion, others claim it is simply a way of making money