KCC is consulting on installing Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras at Junctions 1a and 1b of the A282 in Dartford and at ten additional yellow box junctions in Ashford, Canterbury, Dover, Maidstone, and Thanet. These sites have been identified as some of the worst affected by non-compliance and congestion.
When yellow box junctions were first introduced, Kent Police implemented targeted enforcement and high-visibility patrols at these locations. Due to limited resources, Kent Police officers must focus activities that directly reduce serious injuries and fatalities – this does not include yellow box junctions.
Instead, enforcement of yellow box junctions by KCC using ANPR cameras is considered an appropriate and effective alternative, an approach that is supported by Kent Police and National Highways.
Congestion is a daily issue on Kent’s roads, particularly at busy junctions. When vehicles stop in yellow box junctions, queues cannot clear, causing gridlock that affects local roads, bus punctuality, and disruption for residents, commuters and businesses.
Enforcement aims to improve road safety, tackle network congestion and increase public transport reliability.
“Your feedback will help us make informed decisions that improve traffic flow and reduce delays for everyone.”
Peter Osborne, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: “When drivers block yellow box junctions, it causes congestion and delays across local roads, disrupting daily journeys.
‘We want to hear your views on our proposal to introduce camera enforcement at these junctions. Your feedback will help us make informed decisions that improve traffic flow and reduce delays for everyone.”
The consultations will run for eight weeks from 9 December 2025 to 3 February 2026. To take part, visit: www.kent.gov.uk/mteconsultations.
Consultation site location details
Junctions 1a and 1b of the A282 are about 1.3 km and 3.2 km south of the Dartford Tunnel and the Queen Elizabeth Bridge respectively.
A list of the proposed sites of the ten additional junctions:
| Site | Description |
|---|---|
| Site 1: Ashford | At the junction of North Street and Somerset Road |
| Site 2: Canterbury | On Wincheap heading westbound towards Thanington Road |
| Site 3: Dover | At the junction of Maison Dieu Road, Park Street and Godwyne Road |
| Site 4: Maidstone | At the junction of College Road, Mill Street and Knightrider Street |
| Site 5: Maidstone | At the junction of High Street, Fairmeadow and Bishops Way |
| Site 6: Maidstone | On the A229 Loose Road by Plains Avenue |
| Site 7: Maidstone | From the A274 Sutton Road and A229 Loose Road heading towards Sheals Crescent |
| Site 8: Maidstone | At the junction of Bearsted Road and the Eclipse Park |
| Site 9: Thanet | At the junction on the A254 Marine Terrace and Marine Gardens with Eaton Road in Margate |
Note to editors
Any questions about this consultation, or to request a hard copy of the questionnaire, please contact: tma.consultation@kent.gov.uk
Please use the reference ‘Traffic Management Act’.
For any alternative formats, email alternativeformats@kent.gov.uk or call 03000 42 15 53 (text relay service number 18001 03000 42 15 53). This number goes to an answer machine, which is monitored during office hours.
The responses to these consultations will be considered before any decisions are taken. If the decision is taken to proceed with enforcement, the intention is to install the ANPR cameras ready to begin enforcement in spring 2026.
