More 20mph speed limits could be on the cards across Kent if county councillors back a new policy today that could pave the way for restrictions where there are clear safety concerns.

But county transport chiefs say a blanket 20mph limit would not be appropriate around schools, saying any new restrictions will be decided on a case by case basis.

KCC already has 50 schemes covering more than 800 roads. But a trial of 20mph zones around a group of seven Maidstone primary schools produced mixed results.

In some cases, the trials resulted in motorists driving faster after an initial period in which they slowed down.

Despite this, KCC says there is evidence that schemes which combine 20mph limits with traffic calming measures to reduce speeds have reduced casualties by around 40% to 60%.

The current safety record of the existing 20mph schemes in Kent shows that casualties recorded are 2% less than the national average.

Under its new policy, KCC would continue to implement limits in zones where there was a clear safety justification but would also consider them where they could encourage more walking or cycling.

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