Plan for 20mph limit zones across Herne Bay put forward by councillors
13:08, 12 September 2019
updated: 13:08, 12 September 2019
A fresh bid to create 20mph zones across Herne Bay has been launched after a councillor warned there is “complete anarchy” on the town’s roads.
The proposals to reduce the speed limit in the High Street and outside primary schools were considered at Tuesday night’s Herne Bay Forum.
They were backed by councillors on safety grounds, with a number of them calling for the restrictions to be also imposed elsewhere.
Beltinge representative Jeanette Stockley said: “Through Mickleburgh Hill, where I live, they travel far too fast. We have had many accidents down there where cars have been written off.
“Through Beltinge they also travel far too quickly. Maybe if we do have the 20mph limit it would slow people down to a reasonable speed.”
A report presented to Forum members suggested changes to the High Street would be needed to ensure drivers comply with the limit.
Cllr Rachel Carnac also called for the zones to be extended to parts of Reculver, including Reculver Road and Bishopstone Lane.
Despite being in favour of the limits being imposed outside schools, West Bay representative Peter Vickery-Jones argued more police are needed to catch speeding motorists.
“The problem is a lack of any real control – there’s complete anarchy on the roads now,” he warned.
“We have a majority of people who are law-abiding and driving properly, but there’s a sizeable minority who drive dangerously wherever and whenever they drive.
“There are people who completely disregard the speed limits - and the big problem is we don’t have any police for enforcement.”
A 70-year-old resident told councillors many of the roads in the town are dangerous for pedestrians.
'So what you’re saying here is let’s open to prosecution 86% of Herne Bay residents' - Terry Hudson, Alliance of British Drivers
“I’m a disabled person and I find it very dangerous to cross the road,” Deidre Hilton said. “I take my life into my own hands on many occasions. I’m only 4ft 7ins and six-and-a-half stone and I’m scared of cars.”
But Terry Hudson, of the Alliance of British Drivers, urged the committee to scrap the plans, comparing it to “using a sledgehammer to crack a nut”.
He said: “Speeding doesn’t mean danger. This government has done a report dating back three years on 20mph zones and it’s basically said they don’t know if it’s better with them.
“The final few pages do state there is insufficient evidence to conclude there has been a significant change in collisions or casualties following the introduction of 20mph limits in residential areas.
“According to the Department for Transport, 86% of car drivers break the speed limit; so what you’re saying here is let’s open to prosecution 86% of Herne Bay residents.”
Members voted to send the plans to the Joint Transportation Board, before it can be referred to Kent County Council for approval.
A similar bid to introduce 20mph limits in the centre of Herne Bay and outside the town’s primary schools was shelved after being recommended by town councillors last year.
