Nearly 500 residents of Sonora Fields, Sittingbourne, have signed a petition calling for a 20mph speed limit for their estate.

The petition of 481 names was handed over to the Swale Joint Transportation Board by Cllr James Hunt who represents The Meads. A report will be compiled for a future meeting.

Cllr Hunt said: “Residents have long complained about speeding through the estate. Motorists use Sonora Way as a short-cut from the Sheppey Way between Quinton Road and Staplehurst Road.”

The move follows a spate of similar calls in other parts of Kent. Faversham is currently asking for a 20mph zone as part of a national Twenty’s Plenty campaign.

Supporters say it makes roads safer and cuts down emissions leading to cleaner air.

The Sonora petition was put together by Paul Lewis who coordinates the area’s Neighbourhood Watch.

Cllr Hunt said: “With more than 1,000 more homes planned north of Quinton Road the situation will only get worse and lead to further problems. We should not delay.”

A 20mph zone will include traffic calming measures such as speed humps and chicanes. Cllr Hunt has also campaigned to have the limit on Staplehurst Road slashed from 50 to 30.

The scheme for Faversham led by Amanda Russell has already received the unanimous backing of Swale council. Zones such as these must be approved by Kent County Council and funds found for the changes. The Faversham scheme is expected to cost £60,000.