'Rat Run' Bus Lane Being Enforced

'Rat Run' Bus Lane Being Enforced

The Kent Police Swale Local Policing Team 3 spent some time this morning (Monday 28th January) on the Great Easthall Estate following complaints by local residents and public transport users.

Great Easthall Way, between Freeman Drive and Oak Road, was targetted in response to drivers repeatedly contravening no entry signs and using a designated 'Bus Lane'.

19 traffic offence reports were issued, which carry a £100 fine and 3 points on the driving licence for each driver concerned.

Bus company Arriva Kent announced last Wednesday (23rd January) that it was having to cut it's service to the Great Easthall Estate because of the dangers posed by cars illegally using the bus-only route - that links the estate to Oak Road - as a rat-run.

Oliver Monahan, area managing director for Arriva Kent and Surrey, told SFM News: "Unfortunately, with immediate effect, we have had to temporarily stop serving the stops on Great Easthall Way and Mulberry Way on the 349 service in Sittingbourne. This is because of the significant dangers posed by cars illegally using the bus-only lane at Great Easthall, running the risk of a head-on collision between a car and a bus on the single lane bus lane."

He added: "We're currently working with the relevant authorities to resolve the issue and are keen to start serving the stops again once it is safe to do so."

We will keep you updated on this story online and On Air.

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