A pedestrian has recommended police watch a DVD on how to use Ashford’s shared space scheme after claiming he had a close shave with a patrol car.

Benjamin Donnachie has sent a letter of complaint to Kent Police after claiming a marked car almost hit him when he was on his way home after a night out on Friday.

In his letter to the police, Mr Donnachie said: “I was walking north west along Elwick Road and crossed by Debenhams, slightly round the bend.

“I was already half across the road when a marked police vehicle, travelling in excess of the 20mph speed limit, came round the corner and almost hit me. I was so shocked that I shouted out at the driver.

“The standard of driving was appalling – far below what would be expected from the general public. Had I been just a few steps further into the road, I have no doubt that the police vehicle would have hit me.

“As a local resident, I am disgusted that not even the local police officers seem to have grasped the concept of 'shared space’ – what chance do the public have?”

He suggests that police officers watch a DVD on shared space. The DVD, dubbed “how to cross the road”, cost £15,000 and hit the headlines when it was released in the autumn.

Responding to Mr Donnachie’s complaint, Ch Insp John Frayne, Kent Police district commander for Ashford said: “I have asked one of my inspectors to investigate the complaint, so it would be inappropriate for me to comment specifically on it at present.

“I would like to point out that our drivers are trained to a high standard and I expect their driving to reflect that high standard.

“If a complaint is made it is thoroughly investigated and we take steps to ensure our high standards are maintained.”

uE06E Ashford is the first place in the UK to adopt a large-scale shared space scheme. The idea is that drivers naturally slow down as they become aware they are sharing the same space with pedestrians.