Plans to alleviate crippling traffic congestion and further improve pedestrian safety in Broadstairs have been unveiled.

Kent Highway Services (KHS) has put forward two options to a public consultation, which runs until the beginning of May.

Both include plans for a new pelican crossing in Queens Road, a new zebra crossing in Albion Street and speed cushions in York Street.

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The main difference is in the second of the two concepts, which recommends the lower High Street be turned into a one-way system. Traffic would be allowed to flow down the hill but not in the opposite direction, with vehicles instead diverted via Charlotte Street, York Street, York Avenue and Queens Road.

KHS has already introduced a 20mph speed limit in parts of the town centre and installed numerous traffic calming features.

These have significantly reduced the number of crashes involving injury to pedestrians and reduced vehicle speed in the town centre, but these latest plans are designed to improve the situation even further.

Cllr Bill Hayton, Vice-Chairman of the Thanet Joint Transportation Board, said: “The first phase has been successful but unfortunately there continues to be problems during peak times, especially during the school run and the summer months, where we experience gridlocking.

“I really do think we will come to a solution and find the most beneficial solution for the residents of Broadstairs and visitors to the town.”

Both plans are evenly matched in terms of cost and the cost of the project is estimated at between £190,000 and £200,000.

A bid for £75,000 has already been submitted to Kent County Council (KCC) and KHS says the project is a “strong contender” for the funding. A further bid for approximately £125,000 will be made to KCC next year.

But Cllr Hayton added: “Either concept is not about money; it is about safety. This really is a small price to pay to improve pedestrian safety in the town.”

A consultation period is now underway and local residents are being invited to share their concerns and suggestions with representatives from KHS.

The plans will on display at Broadstairs Library during opening hours until Friday, May 2, and in the council chamber at Pierremont Hall, Broadstairs, from 1-5pm on Wednesday, April 30 and from 4-8pm on Thursday, May 1.

A background report, copies of both concepts and a questionnaire are available at www.kent.gov.uk/highways.