More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
A campaign for a 20mph speed limit zone across a town and its surrounding villages has been backed by councillors.
The Tenterden 2030 civil society group, which has launched a '20's Plenty' initiative, says such a move in Tenterden would produce numerous benefits – including safer roads and a reduction in noise and pollution.
Now Tenterden Town Council's External Committee has agreed to support the campaign by liaising with the highways authority, Kent County Council (KCC).
A number of other areas of Kent have already started or plan to start introducing broader 20mph areas, covering main routes as well as residential areas.
Jo Gandolfo, who is a member of the 2030 group and presented its proposal to the town council, welcomed the backing for the proposed 20mph limit which is hoped would cover all of the town.
She said: "We have started a campaign to try to encourage residents to think about all the advantages of a reduced speed limit.
"The difference in fatalities and serious injuries at 20mph compared to 30mph is huge.
"We would like residents to have their say on how we want it to be done..."
"Tenterden has three schools on the main A28 through from Ashford to Hastings, there are lots and lots of road users and children using the main road, let alone all the side roads.
"We would like residents to have their say on how we want it to be done."
The group plans to distribute leaflets and will be holding a series of meetings to discuss the proposals.
Previously 20mph areas have tended to be restricted to quieter residential streets, but people are increasingly lobbying for broader measures.
Kent County Council has confirmed it is in talks with Newington Parish Council to impose the new speed limit in the centre of the village, near Sittingbourne, including part of the busy A2.
Speed limits across Herne Bay could also be cut as part of sweeping changes to crack down on boy racers and crashes in the centre of the town.
KCC highways officers have visited the seaside town to assess the safety of installing a huge 20mph zone between Central Parade and King’s Road.
