More than 25 roads in a seaside town could become part of a new 20mph zone.

The reduced speed limit would apply to residential streets in the Saddleton Road, Grimshill Road and Gordon Road areas of Whitstable, if proposals put forward by anti-speeding campaigners are approved.

The Saddleton Road Area Residents Group, which has been spearheading the plans, says the area is home to an elderly community who often feel threatened by car speeds as they walk along roads.

They say that lowering vehicle speeds on a total of 28 streets,which they have worked with Kent Highways to identify, would make it safer for residents to walk and cycle while improving the environment.

The zone, which stretches from Swanfield Road to the town’s southern edge, takes in Godfrey House, a sheltered housing complex for older people in Grimshill Road, and St Andrew’s playgroup, which have both backed the lower speed limits.

The £10,000 project, subject to a Kent Highways consultation, would be funded by Whitstable West councillor Mark Dance through a members grant.

Cllr Dance (Con) says that he regularly drives through the area and believes it has an “issue” with speeding cars.

“This is one of the ways we can get speeds down in an area where predominantly families live,” he continued. “[The zone] is all about reducing speeds.

“If it’s 30mph, people could think it’s OK to go up to 37mph. That’s far too high in the area that we’re talking about, where some of the roads aren’t very wide.

“I witnessed an accident a couple of years ago and that was clearly someone driving too fast, by Albion Lane.

“I want this happening sooner rather than later.”

Drivers will be warned of the new speed limits in the first instance by traffic signs and road markings.

However, the residents group, which is asking for feedback on the plans before a formal consultation is launched, says that it would make sure the limit is enforced by stepping up Speedwatch efforts and campaigning for speeding hotspots to be tackled.

Ann Hudson, chair of the Saddleton Road Area Residents Group, said: “We are delighted that Kent County councillor Mark Dance has responded to our concerns about road safety and is putting local residents first.

“The new 20 mph speed limit is an important first step.”

To take part in Saddleton Road Area Residents Group’s consultation on the proposals, visit @saddletonroadarearesidentsgroup on Facebook or email saddletonroad@gmail.com.

Written letters can be dropped off in the green letterbox at the entrance to St Andrews Hall on the corner of Saddleton Road and Grimshill Road.

What do you think? Email whitstablegazette@thekmgroup.co.uk