New reduced 50mph speed limit to be enforced on stretch of A256 Sandwich Bypass following biker's death
13:11, 10 November 2021
updated: 14:58, 10 November 2021
A reduced 50mph speed limit is being introduced along the A256 in Sandwich following a fatality last year.
Coming into effect on Friday, vehicles will have to stick to the new maximum from the Bellar's Bush roundabout to the Woodnesborough Road flyover bridge.
The safety measure, brought in by Kent County Council, was announced in a public notice today.
It comes after a serious collision in July last year in which motorcyclist Martin Shepherd from Deal died.
Since then, KCC Highways has introduced a new red central line in the road banning right turns and generally warning motorists.
A KCC spokesperson said: “A new speed limit of 50mph will come into force on part of the A256 Sandwich Bypass on Friday, November 12.
“Officers have also adapted the road surface in the centre of the carriageway and introduced a right turn ban in and out of the laybys.
“This follows an extensive analysis of crash data and a review of the road layout at this location.
"Road safety is a top priority for KCC and we continue to encourage people who use the road to do so responsibly.”
Dover district councillor for Sandwich, Cllr Dan Friend, said: "The new restrictions on the Sandwich Bypass will help to improve the safety and I fully support the measures.
"We all remember the recent tragic accident on this road and any measures we are able to implement to try and ensure tragedies like this do not occur in the future can only be welcomed."
Applications to challenge the order can be made to the High Court within six weeks.
