A politician calling for speed limits to be reduced says it is only a matter of time before someone dies at the hands of a reckless driver.

Mayor of Ashford, Cllr Jenny Webb, believes traffic-calming measures in the town’s Beaver Road and surrounding areas are being “totally ignored” by motorists.

In a bid to make the roads safer, she is calling for the speed limit to be reduced from 30mph to 20mph.

“I personally take my life in my hands some mornings,” she said.

“While on the crossing, I have had taxis and cars speed across in front of me.

“The pedestrian crossing outside of KFC has become a serious hazard for pedestrians.

"Drivers ignore the fact it is a pedestrian crossing.

"They should stop to allow safe crossing, but this is not happening.

“We have roads that are one-way but constantly - despite adequate signage - used as two-way.

"Upper Denmark and parts of Torrington Road are classic examples.

“As a resident of the area I believe the roads I have drawn attention to will benefit from the safety issues of a 20mph speed limit.

“Let’s be proactive and not reactive, let’s not wait for areas to be deemed crash sites before taking action but focus on the safety of everyone.

“We have to act now before a fatality or serious accident happens.”

Cllr Webb is hoping the changes can be made to a number of roads, including Beaver Road, Torrington Road, Kingsnorth Road and Whitfield Road.

She feels the issue is made worse by drivers illegally cutting through a bus gate between Godfrey Walk and Beaver Road, as barriers that used to stop drivers from getting past have been broken for a number of years.

She added: “The bus gate is still being used as a rat run.

“For the past circa three years, it has been out of action, which has created traffic going through illegally, which has caused speeding along Beaver Road and has become an even more unacceptable danger to pedestrians and cyclists, and also for the drivers who are not reckless.

“Traffic calming is totally ignored as the need to speed seems to be more important than safety.

“The sooner that this happens the better as it will alleviate the traffic flow through the barrier.

“This needs to be a priority.”

A similar scheme cutting the speed limit on 40 roads around Bybrook and Bockhanger was approved in June.

It was brought forward by Kennington Community Council to drive out ‘rat-run’ motorists.

Speaking on Cllr Webb’s proposals, a Kent County Council (KCC) spokesperson confirmed they are being considered.

“Officers are reviewing the feasibility of a formal request for an area-wide 20mph for these areas in Ashford,” he said.

“While it is for Kent Police to enforce speed limits, local groups and residents are welcome to suggest changes to the highway but would need to demonstrate comprehensive local support for any scheme.

“Separately, KCC will shortly adopt powers available under the Traffic Management Act to enforce moving traffic regulations – aimed at cutting use of disruptive acts such as using banned turns, illegal use of bus gates and stopping in yellow box junctions.

“Following a public consultation held last year, officers are preparing the infrastructure needed to manage this enforcement action at key locations.”