Workers have started to paint road markings and install signs turning an estate into a 20mph zone, three months after a traffic order was introduced.

There was confusion for residents after discovering road markings had been put in on Friday showing the new limit but the road signs had not been altered.

Work began in Sonora Way, The Meads, on Thursday to paint the road after the limit was approved in November.

The road signs were set to be changed yesterday.

It comes after a petition to lower the limit was submitted to Kent County Council (KCC), the authority in charge of roads.

Although a traffic order was already in place, a limit is not enforceable until the signs are changed.

Two different contractors complete the works, one for the signs and another for the road markings.

'I drive at 20mph all the time on the estate because I can't see around the blind corners' - Paul Lewis

Before the road signs were changed Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator for Sonora Fields, Paul Lewis, said: "As far as I know they're putting the markings on the road.

"If the signs aren't up you can't enforce it. As it seems now, the limit is 30mph.

"Personally, I drive at 20mph all the time on the estate because I can't see around the blind corners.

"As far as I understand, it's both ends of Sonora Way and the rest of the roads in the estate between the A249 and the railway line.

"It's common sense what we're asking for them to do and they don't seem to show any concern for residents whatsoever.

'I am really please to have been able to help in a very important scheme' - Cllr Mike Whiting

"I feel very annoyed that they've not got their act together.

"If a child was hit at 20mph, their injuries are likely to be much less severe than if they were hit at 30mph.

"It's not just a risk to children, it's a risk to everyone."

A KCC spokesman confirmed the works had started.

Cllr Mike Whiting (Con), who represents Swale West at Kent County Council, said: "The 20mph sign at The Meads was instigated by a petition from residents.

"I picked it up in 2017 as a councillor. The work has been ordered so the signs are on their way which will ensure all of The Meads becomes a 20mph zone.

"I am really please to have been able to help in a very important scheme.

"Once the traffic order is in place an order is put in for the signs."

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