A new 20mph zone on several streets around a housing estate has been proposed by highways chiefs.

Six streets in Dartford are subject to a public consultation following proposals put forward by Kent County Council (KCC).

The existing 30mph speed limit would be scrapped in favour of the new restrictions and residents are now being asked for their views.

The roads included in the plan are Blake Gardens, Bronte Grove, Browning Road, Keyes Road, Sheridan Court and Tevelyan Close in Temple Hill.

KCC says the scheme would be kept under review to allow the authority to decide whether to make the proposed order permanent, amend or scrap the plans altogether.

Consultation documents published by the council say: "In recent years the demand for the implementation of 20mph schemes had been increasing in response to both local and national campaigns, therefore Kent County Council are intending to implement 20mph Public Health Schemes in the following location, in Temple Hill, Dartford."

The council says the plans have been put forward to "avoid the danger to persons or other traffic" or "prevent the likelihood of danger arising".

It also states the reason for the scheme as "preserving or improving amenities of the area".

The move comes following a long-running campaign by residents, school governors and councillors with a petition to the council lobbying for zones across Dartford near schools after children were injured in collisions.

County councillor Kelly Grehan (Lab) said of the consultation: "This came about after request from me as the county councillor. Speeding is a big issue on Temple Hill, and in fact, when I visited Temple Hill Primary recently and asked children about their concerns lots of them said cars speeding.

"I wanted the whole estate to be considered as a 20mph zone but unfortunately speed checks only concluded the roads in the consultation to be suitable.

"Although I understand that, sadly some idiots will drive like idiots, whatever the speed limits I hope that most people will stick to them and this will make our children safer.

"We are all familiar with the better outcomes for crashes where drivers are using lower speeds."

KCC is also proposing to introduce new sections of double yellow lines in Meadow Way and Watling Street.

The plans include lines for 10m at the corner of Meadow Way and Watling Street.

In Watling Street, the council wishes to paint new lines on the northern side stretching for 21m westwards at the corner of Myrtle Place.

On the southern side opposite the junction, the council wishes to extend double yellows for 50m towards Princes Road to meet up with existing restrictions.

The consultation on both schemes opened last week and will run until noon on March 28.

The public can comment on the proposals either by visiting the KCC consultation website at letstalk.kent.gov.uk or write to The TRO Co-ordinator, Schemes Planning & Delivery Team, Highways, Transportation & Waste, Kent County Council, Ashford Highway Depot, Henwood Industrial Estate, Javelin Way, Ashford, TN24 8AD