A notorious stretch of road on which two people were killed in just eight months could have its speed limit slashed.

Kent Highways is looking to reduce the limit from 50mph to 40mph on part of the A28 Ashford Road in Chartham.

The move follows calls for increased safety measures after the death of 21-year-old Christopher Innes in May 2018 and Andrew Morrell, 74, in January.

Both were hit by cars near Mansfield fruit farm.

The stretch of road has been the scene of numerous crashes, including one in 2011 which killed a 19-year-old man and 25-year-old woman, and in 2015 nine people were injured in a serious collision between a lorry and a minibus.

In November, county council leader Paul Carter dismissed calls for speed restrictions, but the authority - which is responsible for highways - has now unveiled its plans to cut the limit between the Shalmsford Street junction and the cemetery.

Canterbury City Council leader Robert Thomas, who represents Chartham, is encouraging residents, business owners and workers who use the road to give their views on the plan.

“Road safety is incredibly important - there’s nothing more sacred than life itself,” he said.

“In the past year or so we’ve tragically lost two lives on this stretch of road.

“Working with my colleagues at Kent Highways and with the parish council we’re looking to make improvements.

“If there’s to be a change in speed limit we need to be certain that road safety will be better, that limits are observed and enforced, and that any change doesn’t have unintended consequences.”

Earlier this year, the parents of University of the Creative Arts student Christopher Innes pleaded for speeds along the road to be reduced.

Their “happy and popular” son died getting off a bus at the unmarked stop on the 50mph stretch near Mansfield fruit farm.

Dad Brian Innes said a lower speed limit would have given Christopher a chance.

“The road is too fast. This was a tragedy waiting to happen, where my son was put in a vulnerable position,” he said.

At the inquest into his death, coroner Bina Patel said she would consider whether to use her ancillary powers to write a report highlighting how to prevent future fatalities at the location.

Cllr Sally Hatcher, chairman of Chartham Parish Council, says the proposal by KCC is a step in the right direction and backed by lots of residents in the village.

“There have been two deaths very recently and anything we can do to reduce the speed there to eliminate further deaths on that road is a good thing,” she said.

“We’d really like to see a speed reduction all along that road. It’s such a busy road and when the A2 is closed it becomes a nightmare.

“The amount of traffic that travels along there, I do think it warrants 40mph but that is down to KCC.”

To make a representation on the proposals email tro@kent.gov.uk.

The deadline for submissions is Monday, August 5.

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