People are calling for a speed limit on a busy road to be reduced amid fears a child could be injured.

Calls have been made for a traffic island to be installed in Valley Drive, Gravesend, by the junction of Dobson Close, and for the speed limit to be cut from 40mph to 30mph. More than 80 residents signed a petition which was handed in to Kent County Council and Gravesham council’s joint transportation board.

The council minutes said: “Cllr Diane Marsh pleaded for the safety of her residents to be considered and for the board to endorse sending a response back to KCC for a reduction in speed along the road.”

The board concluded: “The speed limit could be reduced to 30mph, a risk assessment should have been carried out for the road and interactive speed signs would be very beneficial to make drivers aware of the speed they are going.”

One woman affected by the traffic along Valley Drive, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “About 14 years ago people complained about the traffic.

“They extended the pavement on the corner of Dobson Close and Valley Drive. When we leave Dobson Close, it is a blind corner.

“If you’re turning left, before you know it they are up at your backside and if you’re turning right it’s impossible.

“I started a petition because my best man’s daughter moved in here and she has three children who have to cross the road to get to Singlewell Primary School.

“There’s coming a time when a kid is going to get knocked down. Ideally we need a crossing.

“I’m angry – I think the whole road should be reduced to 30mph.

“KCC were unanimous at the meeting that they wanted something done about it. KCC just said there is no money.

“Residents felt that there was no interest in traffic calming along this road and it was down to financial reasons.”

KCC spokesman Thom Morris said: “We constantly strive to keep people as safe as possible on Kent’s roads.

“With regards to Valley Drive, there has been no history of crashes on this road that would warrant remedial works.

“KCC is collecting traffic data on the road to see whether the perceived issues along this stretch need to be addressed.

“Managing the speed of traffic is essential to continue reducing the number of and severity of casualties on our roads. Whilst we sympathise with residents, we have to make tough decisions on where to improve traffic and road safety in local areas.

“We’re happy to consider all requests as long as residents go through the steps outlined at www.kent.gov.uk/highways”