The transport strategy for Sandwich has gained great momentum since the Town Team put it forward.

Sandwich Town Council gave its backing to the white paper two week’s ago in a bid to tackle Sandwich’s traffic problems and help kick-start regeneration.

It agreed the first phase of the programme and plans for an external consultancy to define and facilitate the longer term measures.

The Town Team was delegated to take their preferred options forward, with town council support, and with endorsement by Kent County Council and Dover District Council Joint Transportation Board.

Support for the strategy was almost unanimous, with 15 to one council members voting in favour of it.

Mayor of Sandwich Cllr Paul Graeme said: “I am pleased that the council has resolved to back the Town Team’s exciting, forward-thinking and collaborative plan to tackle traffic issues that have been plaguing our historic town for years.

“There’s great momentum behind this white paper, with support from our local MP, Dover District Council and Kent County Council to get things moving.

“We know that change is needed. Our community-events volunteers and the Chamber of Commerce have already made great achievements in increasing footfall, and now traffic management in our town needs to keep up to make sure that Sandwich becomes an even better place to visit, work and live.”

The first phase of the measures, subject to a consultation that is due over the next few months, will include:

n A 7.5-tonne HGV limit throughout Sandwich, except for access

n “Gateways” at the bypass roundabouts to announce the new weight limit

n Traffic calming in High Street and New Street, and a review of Moat Sole

In response to public feedback, traffic calming measures will take the form of parking chicanes rather than speed tables.

There will also be protection for buildings and pedestrians at Breezy Corner.

Lorries delivering to and collecting from Sandwich addresses will be exempt from the weight limit, as will buses and refuse-collection and emergency service vehicles.

This will ensure the restriction will have no detriment to businesses.

A spokesman for the Town Team said: “There is a clear demand from residents to tackle speeding cars and buses.

“Over and over, we hear concerns about the town’s narrow streets and pavements, with the associated dangers to pedestrians and architectural heritage.

“A sizeable minority of vehicles exceed the town-centre speed limit, and it would be unacceptable for a fatal accident to occur before acting.”