Proposals have been put forward to slow speeds to tackle "accident prone" sections of roads.

New limits have been brought in along busy roads near several villages near Gravesend to help prevent accidents and injuries.

The existing 30mph speed limit in Forge Lane has been extended towards the crossroads, at the junction with the A226 – labelled the "most accident-prone section of highway" in Shorne.

At present, the national limit only applies to the section between the St Katherines Cottages and the main highway.

Changes on the A226 Gravesend Road will see maximum speeds dropped from 50mph to 40mph between Crown Lane and Hollytreet Drive.

Meanwhile, Rochester Road in Chalk will see restrictions dropped from 40mph to 30mph between the junction with Lower Higham Road and Thong Lane.

Further changes have also been brought in along Dering Way where a 30mph speed limit has been extended towards Shamrock Road.

Kent County Council, as the traffic authority, said the changes had been made to avoid danger to both pedestrians and motorists, as well as "preserving or improving" amenities in the area.

There were 12 reports of traffic related incidents at Shorne Crossroads over the last 10 years, according to CrashMap, which uses official Department for Transport statistics.

The same data logged one fatal incident at the junction and a further "serious" accident along Forge Lane.

Meanwhile, the section of Rochester Road subject to the new limits has logged just under 20 incidents, and a further three serious accidents, over the same time period.

Shorne Parish Council has welcomed the proposals which it says includes the "most accident-prone section of highway" in Shorne.

Gravesham Councillor Bob Lane (Con), who is chairman of the parish council, said it was great news for residents.

"It is a very positive step," he said. "We, the parish council have been after getting the speed limit reduced in Forge Lane for some time and Kent County Council we are pleased to have reduced this speed as part of the scheme."

Cllr Lane added: "We are hopeful it will either reduce the number of accidents or the serious accidents.

"I would encourage residents to give their feedback and give their positive feedback."

The scheme will be reviewed in order for the council to decide whether to make the changes permanent.

Full details of the plan can be found by clicking here.

The deadline for comments is midday on Monday, January 10.