A “dangerous” road close to a school being used as a “rat-run” to avoid speed bumps on an adjacent road needs addressing as soon as possible, a meeting heard.

Members of the Shepway Joint Transportation Board discussed the issue surrounding Biggins Wood Road near Harcourt Primary School in Cheriton.

Residents, school staff and Folkestone Town Council have joined together to campaign for a 20mph zone around the school.

Town and district ward member Cllr Peter Gane (Con) does not sit on the board but presented members with the issue at Monday’s meeting.

He said: “Although there might not have been that many accidents there’s been a lot of near misses. That’s the concern.

“Simply putting up a 20 sign will surely help the problem and that’s all we’re asking.”

Hod Birkby (Ukip) said: “It’s a narrow road and used as a rat-run to avoid the bumps on the other road [Shaftesbury Avenue]. It’s not a great deal to put up and I support it. What we need to do is bring the speed down on that particular road and as soon as possible.”

He added he would be willing to put some money from his member’s grant towards it.

But Green councillor, Martin Whybrow who is introducing a 20mph zone in Saltwood, warned that it was more than just putting up a sign and could cost upwards of £6,000.

Members also noted that there was a concern for the way that the speed cut could be enforced.

Cllr Susan Carey (Con) added: “I think the real problem is not the road, it’s the drivers..

“Whilst it’s great to hear people’s positive response, I don’t think signing a loan [for a sign] will actually resolve the problem.”

But Cllr Rory Love (Con) highlighted that by making Biggins Wood Road a 20 zone it could set a precedent to make other areas around schools across the district 20mph which would require far more work and investigation, which the board approved.