Motorists and pedestrians should find their lives at less risk thanks to an initiative by a Kent County Councillor.

Cllr Brian Clark, who represents Maidstone South Division, has been pushing Kent Highways to impose a 30mph limit on a section of carriageway from the top of Farleigh Hill in Tovil to Dean House in Dean Street, East Farleigh.

At present, the stretch of road is a 40mph limit, but there are already 30 limits at either end. The change will ensure a consistent 30mph limit along the road, which despite being a country road is very heavily used, especially during the rush hours.

In particular, the change should improve safety at the junction of Dean Street with Lower Road, where a large proportion of the traffic coming out of Tovil turns right to head for East Farleigh Bridge, crossing over the path of the sometimes fast-moving traffic coming down Dean Street.

Cllr Clarke had already successfully secured a diversion to the public footpath KB15, which crosses Dean Street, so that walkers remain within the field boundary instead of having to walk some distance in the road where there is no footpath.

A period of public consultation has now closed with no objections registered to the new 30mph limit and several letters of support.

Cllr Clark said: “I have today signed off the funds from my devolved budget to progress the scheme.

“The intention is that this, along with the newly designated footpath, will increase safety along this stretch of roadway.”