A trial of a one-way system in a town centre is underway in a bid to solve traffic problems.

Hart Street and Barker Road in Maidstone are notorious for becoming jammed, with drivers waiting as long as two hours to get through.

Kent County Council (KCC) has now initiated two Experimental Traffic Regulation Orders (ETROs) for the roads.

Both are regularly used by motorists who want to access McDonald's and B&Q, as well as the Lockmeadow Entertainment Centre.

The scheme includes changes to waiting restrictions, street parking and will introduce a one-way system.

The idea was first brought up in 2020 by Cllr Paul Harper (Lab) and was put to the Maidstone councillors on the Joint Transportation Board during an 'informal' meeting last January.

At the time, Cllr Harper said: “This is a pragmatic proposal, it will not cure everything, but should make life better.

"It can also be implemented, we are promised, in less than six months, so by the summer.

"Alternatives would have meant no action for three or four years.”

After agreeing on the one-way as quick-fix to improve the situation, the experiment was expected to be implemented last July, but this was pushed back to November.

Last week the council installed a mini roundabout at the southern end of the two roads, near B&Q – replacing the give way junction.

This means that vehicles are no longer able to make a right-turn to reach the McDonald's drive-thru and the new roundabout will keep traffic on a one-way course through the area.

The council say that this is to ensure drivers wanting "to reach McDonald's and properties on Hart Street have equal priority" and will "aid the reduction in the number of drivers queueing to turn right up into Hart Street from Barker Road".

The scheme also aims to discourage drivers taking risks, including over-taking and running red lights, as well as reduce traffic tailing back over the bridge and creating a more "pedestrian friendly" layout.

The trial started yesterday, and will be in place for a year and a half on an experimental basis.

KCC is encouraging drivers and residents to give feedback on the trial during the consultation period, which can be completed here.

It was launched on February 17 and will close on Wednesday, August 16.

People are also allowed to object or support the orders through the response form.

The feedback from the consultation will be reported to the Maidstone Joint Transportation Board – where it will be reviewed to decide whether to make the system permanent, amend or abandon it.