Plans showing exactly where double yellow lines will be “reinstated” in a town centre to stop vehicles spoiling the area’s “special” character have been unveiled.
Councillors agreed earlier this year to repaint the markings in Faversham and enforce them again to prevent people parking around the Guildhall and Market Place.
The lines faded significantly after they were painted in 2014 and parking restrictions were lifted five years ago.
At a Swale Borough Council (SBC) Joint Transport Board meeting in March, councillors called for the lines to be reintroduced.
And now formal plans showing where they will be painted have been unveiled – with residents being asked for feedback.
Double yellow lines will be put on both sides of Court Street, from its junction with Market place to the change of road surface near 46 Court Street.
East Street will also have markings on both sides from its junction with Preston Street to the junction with Newton Road.
Market Place will have double yellows on both sides from its junction with Market Street/West Street to the junction with Court Street, and so will Market Street on both sides from its junction with Preston Street to the junction of Market Place, excluding the layby outside 10 to 12a Market Street.
West Street will have markings on both sides from its junction with Market Place to a point in line with the boundary of 16 Market Place and 2 West Street.
The circumference of Guildhall will also have double yellows.
The traffic order will also introduce a single yellow line with parking restrictions 6am to 6pm Monday to Sunday in the layby outside 10 to 12a Market Street.
It follows fears over pedestrian safety, cars blocking market pitches, and concerns that it spoils views of the town’s historical sites.
The scheme had gone to public consultation before final approval from the council.
Faversham county councillor Antony Hook (Lib Dem) previously told KentOnline the proposal is a step in the right direction.
“It won’t solve all our problems, but it will certainly solve some problems,” he said.
“The market actually closes the area to traffic for three days a week, even if people occasionally ignore the signs and drive through.
“But on days when people can drive in, particularly during the evening, a lot of people park there, and you effectively can’t see the 300-year-old Guildhall.
“So it really spoils the atmosphere and historic look of the town centre, which is really special to Faversham. The cars are a bit of an obstruction.
“If the lines do go ahead, it will be important to monitor them. Does it solve the problem? Does it cause any other issues? We won’t know the consequences until we try.”
Previously, a project was proposed to fully pedestrianise the area, with an informal consultation taking place with the rules enforced by Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras.
However, this was found to be unviable as Kent County Council advised an exemption could not be provided for blue badge holders, who can park on double yellow lines for a limited time.
It was found after receiving a ticket, they would have to appeal the fine, which was argued could have a negative impact under an equality impact assessment.
The consultation for the plans closes at midday on Friday, August 15, and comments can be submitted on SBC’s website.
