Paddock Wood councillors bid for 20mph speed limit

PADDOCK Wood could become the first community in Kent to trial 20mph zones enforced by average speed cameras if town councillors get their way.

The authority is writing to Kent County Council asking for residents to be used as "guinea pigs" when a scheme currently being tested by Transport For London in parts of the capital comes to Kent.

The move came after councillors discussed a Department for Transport (DfT) circular on speed limits at their monthly meeting last week.

After hearing that such schemes have been proven to reduce injuries and benefit the environment, Cllr Ray Moon said: "The evidence is overwhelming.

"It is proven that a 20mph speed limit does reduce casualties. It is the way forward, and the DfT has recognised that."

The circular states the DfT's intention "to encourage highway authorities... to introduce 20mph zones... into streets which are primarily residential in nature".

Councillor Elizabeth Thomas urged caution before taking the plunge, saying: "Not every road is suitable for a 20mph speed limit."

A motion from vice-chairman Norman Cochrane to request 20mph limits enforced by cameras was passed unanimously.

The move was welcomed by Cllr Ron Goodman who had lambasted his colleagues earlier in the evening for a lack of action.

Speaking after the meeting, father-of-five Cllr Goodman, who has campaigned for new speed limits and pedestrian crossings for 20 years, said he had lost faith in the town council.

The Church Road resident said: "The council talks a lot, but doing anything is another matter.

"I spoke to (town council chairman Ron Aitchison) about a year ago, and he agreed we need a pedestrian crossing near Waitrose and another in Church Road. He said it was in the pipeline, but it didn't go anywhere."

Identifying Commercial Road as another dangerous spot for pedestrians, Cllr Goodman said he planned to start his own petition calling for immediate action.

Cllr Goodman added: "We can always make excuses and find reasons not to do these things. Let's get them in place. Give the children a chance to survive."

What do you think? Visit www.thisiskent.co.uk/paddockwood