Steps have been taken to introduce a new 20mph speed limit in a village.

Kent County Council has confirmed it is in talks with Newington Parish Council to create the new speed limit in the centre of the village, near Sittingbourne, including part of the busy A2.

It comes after years of complaints from residents about the safety of the road.

In 2018 campaigners from the village, including 13-year-old girl Lucy Venables, called for the restricted speed limit.

They said many pupils do not feel safe walking from one side of the village to the other.

Campaigners also pointed out that many of the pathways in Newington are very narrow and there is no room to widen them, including those in School Lane and Church Lane.

Cllr Richard Palmer, vice-chairman of Newington Parish Council and a Swale borough councillor, is one of the many people backing the campaign.

He said: “Newington residents signed a petition three to four years ago with just over 1,800 people seeking a 20mph speed limit on local built-up roads including the narrow section on the A2 Newington High Street.

“Despite many knockbacks from KCC the parish council has pursued the idea of 20mph through the narrow section of the village.

“This scheme has been added to Newington’s Highway Improvement Plan (HIP) and hopefully the county council will support the plans which are already supported by villages”.

Swale’s Kent County Councillor Mike Whiting (Con) said: “I am glad that KCC is considering a 20mph zone in Newington.

“Many residents have been asking for speed limits to be reduced for many years, and it is good that KCC is now engaging with Newington Parish Council to look at what might be possible.

“Of course, any proposals will have to be put out to a full public consultation but it is excellent that those proposals are being looked at.”

Cllr Whiting added he had been told the council is also revisiting the idea of making Bull Lane one-way off the A2 and extending the 30mph zone towards Boyces Hill.

Hartlip, Newington and Upchurch ward councillor Alan Horton added: “I think the most important views and voices on the possible introduction of a 20mph limit in Newington are those of residents.

“Experience in villages is that 20mph zones are safer, especially for our more vulnerable road users, with traffic calming measures being the usual source of complaint.

“I will work to deliver the solution they want, whether that is a 20mph zone or an alternative, which I would like to see ensures pedestrians can safely cross the A2 at busy times.”

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