An experimental traffic scheme aimed at cutting the Christmas queues in Maidstone town centre proved so successful last year it is being brought in again.

Kent Highways will once again close Romney Place to traffic during the festive season, starting tomorrow.

Instead, vehicles will be diverted along Mote Road from the traffic lights at Lower Stone Street to get to the entrance of the Chequers multi-storey car park.

The idea is that queues of traffic caused by Christmas shoppers heading for the car park or Sainsbury’s will not cause extensive queues along Palace Avenue. It is expected to be in operation until Christmas Eve.

Town centre manager Bill Moss said: “It speeds up the traffic no end.”