Ashford’s congested ring road should be made 20mph to stop drivers “racing” between traffic lights, campaigners say.

Central Ashford Community Forum is calling on Kent County Council to lower the speed limit in the town centre.

They think the move will reduce the risk of accidents and are keen to see it extended to other built-up areas.

The forum’s Emily Neighbour said: “A 20mph limit would be much more pleasant for everybody.

“It wouldn’t be a race to the next traffic light like it is now - I like to think there would be support for the idea and it will have to be discussed.

“It could just start with the town centre on the ring road and expand out from there - to Canterbury Road and Magazine Road for example.”

Paul Bartlett, who is a KCC councillor for Ashford Central, says the authority will look at the proposal, saying: “I am not sure there is an overriding need to reduce it to 20mph, but KCC would be very happy to look at it.

“I think when the new cinema and hotel at Elwick Place opens the shared space area - which is already 20mph - will come into its own as the number of people walking in that area will increase.”