Canterbury City Council’s radical roads plan for new cycle lanes, bus lanes and ANPR cameras branded ‘hostile to drivers’

A wide-ranging plan to reshape how people travel in Canterbury has been revealed, proposing significant changes that prioritise walking, cycling and public transport over car use.

The strategy, outlined in the council’s £18 million Walking and Cycling Implementation Plan, includes a series of measures designed to reduce reliance on private vehicles and encourage more sustainable travel choices across the city and surrounding areas such as Herne Bay and Whitstable.

Among the most notable proposals are plans to convert sections of dual carriageway into single lanes to make space for dedicated cycle routes and bus lanes. Several roundabouts along the ring road could also be replaced with traffic lights, while access restrictions using ANPR technology are being considered for parts of Old Dover Road to limit certain types of traffic.

Additional changes would see road space reduced on routes such as Military Road and Tourtel Road to accommodate segregated cycle lanes, alongside wider improvements including new walking and cycling links, upgraded crossings, and enhanced public realm areas.

Council leaders argue that such measures are necessary to tackle congestion, improve air quality and support public health, particularly as the district prepares for significant housing growth. The plan is intended to be delivered over the next 15 years and aligns with wider ambitions set out in the Draft Local Plan.

A key principle of the strategy is to make active travel options more attractive than driving, with new cycle routes designed to be more direct than equivalent car journeys. The plan also explores innovative ideas such as transferring deliveries to cargo bikes at park-and-ride sites for the final stage into the city centre.

However, the proposals have sparked criticism from some residents and campaign groups, who argue the plans could make life more difficult for motorists. Concerns have been raised about reduced road capacity, increased congestion at peak times, and the practicality of alternatives for those who rely on cars, including older or less mobile residents.

Former planning manager Bob Britnell described the proposals as overly restrictive for drivers, warning they could worsen traffic conditions rather than improve them. Similar concerns were echoed by representatives from the Association of British Drivers, who questioned whether the changes reflect the needs of all residents.

Despite this, council representatives insist the plans are about offering greater choice rather than limiting mobility. Deputy leader Cllr Mike Sole said the aim is to create a more balanced transport system, where people are not dependent on cars for everyday journeys.

The strategy comes as Canterbury prepares for major housing expansion, including the proposed Mountfield Park development, which is expected to place additional pressure on the existing road network.

Funding for the proposals is expected to come from a combination of developer contributions, infrastructure levies and external grants. The plan will continue to evolve as part of the Local Plan process, with further consultation and design work required before major changes are implemented.