Double yellow lines in a town centre “must be reinstated” to stop cars parking and spoiling its “special” character by blocking views of historic landmarks.

Proposals have now been agreed to repaint the lines and enforce the markings again to prevent people parking around the Guildhall and Market Place in Faversham.

After the lines faded significantly following their installation in 2014, a decision was taken not to repaint them.

But despite the markings remaining partially visible still today, the parking restrictions have been formally revoked for the past five years.

That came amid opposition about the rules being in place in the town centre as well as the quality of the road markings.

But at Monday’s Swale Borough Council (SBC) Joint Transport Board meeting, councillors called for the lines to be reintroduced.

It follows fears over pedestrian safety, cars blocking market pitches, and concerns that it spoils views of the town’s historical sites.

The scheme will now head to a public consultation before final approval from the council.

County councillor for the town Antony Hook (Lib Dem) says the proposal is a step in the right direction.

Speaking to KentOnline, he said: “It won’t solve all our problems, but it will certainly solve some problems.

“The market actually closes the area to traffic for three days a week, even if people occasionally ignore the signs and drive through.

“But on days when people can drive in, particularly during the evening, a lot of people park there, and you effectively can’t see the 300-year-old Guildhall.

“So it really spoils the atmosphere and historic look of the town centre, which is really special to Faversham. The cars are a bit of an obstruction.

“If the lines do go ahead, it will be important to monitor them. Does it solve the problem? Does it cause any other issues? We won’t know the consequences until we try.”

But Faversham town councillor Julian Saunders (Lab) remains concerned the scheme will not end persistent parking troubles.

He added: “I think it’s a helpful move because car parking is a real problem.

“It causes a hazard to pedestrians, spoils the look and feel of the town centre, and interferes with traders who have licenses for outdoor seating.

“The reinstatement will help with those issues, but at present, I don’t feel it will necessarily solve the problems.

“It’s a step in the right direction, but I think more will need to be done to limit parking in the town.

Alternative parking options in the town centre include on-street bays on Court Street and the large Central car park in Leslie Smith Drive.

At this week’s meeting, Cllr Saunders proposed that SBC continue to investigate alternative solutions to reduce the number of cars in the town centre.

Previously, a project was proposed to fully pedestrianise the area, with an informal consultation taking place with the rules enforced by Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras.

However, this was found to be unviable as KCC advised that an exemption could not be provided for blue badge holders, who can park on double yellow lines for a limited time.

It was found that after receiving a ticket, they would have to appeal the fine, which was argued could have a negative impact under an equalities impact assessment.

Yet, Cllr Hook added this could be revisited if a solution is found.

He said: “A really important issue has been the position of disabled people, and we are hopeful this proposal shouldn’t be a negative for them. Blue badge holders will still be able to come and park on the double yellows for three hours.

“But no one seems to have laid their hands on a definite solution, yet.

“It’s a bit frustrating in this day and age that we don’t have a definitive database for blue badge holders. There ought to be a way that ANPR cameras can clock the numberplates before issuing any tickets.”

Other new traffic guidelines for the town were approved during the meeting.

The existing Faversham residents' parking scheme is set to be extended to now include Belmont Road.

During a consultation, 83% of locals supported the exemption extension.

Many struggle to park in the evenings, as spaces are nabbed during the day by those headed to the nearby town centre or train station.

Another proposal looks to add double yellow lines outside the recreation ground in Park Road.

Kent Fire and Rescue will now be consulted to see if they are concerned by the narrow access with cars parking on either side of the route as it provides access to the nearby tennis courts and bowls club.