An entire town is to be subject to a blanket 20mph speed limit as part of plans to encourage people out of their cars.

The new restriction will be put in place right across Tonbridge, initially as a temporary measure, to see if the reduction in the limit increases walking and cycling journeys in the town.

It is also hoped that the scheme, which is being funded by the Department for Transport’s Emergency Active Travel Fund in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, will reduce congestion and air pollution caused by trips around town made by car.

Work to implement the new rules is expected to start on August 10 and should be largely complete by September 18.

It will involve new road markings, 20mph signs and gateways on roads approaching the town.

Tonbridge county councillor Michael Payne said: "As part of the Emergency Active Travel Fund from the Government, I am delighted that we have successfully made the case within Kent County Council (KCC) for part of the £1.6million funding from the first tranche to be spent on a town wide 20mph zone in Tonbridge.

"This should benefit cyclists and walkers alike, as well as making our roads safer for residents and all road users.

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"As Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport I have long campaigned for safer roads in Kent. Reducing speeds to 20mph should be one of the best ways to achieve this locally in Tonbridge."

The 20mph scheme is one of various active travel initiatives being launched across the country to encourage more cycling and walking post-coronavirus.

Lockdown saw a significant drop in the number of journeys by car - with air pollution falling as a result - and transport chiefs are keen to encourage longer-term shifts towards alternatives for shorter trips.

Tom Tugendhat, Tonbridge and Malling MP, has campaigned for action on speeding in the district and has given his approval to the new speed limit zone.

"Achieving a town-wide 20mph zone in Tonbridge is what many want," he said.

"Those of us with young children, with difficulty getting around or who just like to wander down a safer roads welcome this change.

"As more of us choose to cycle it will help reduce speeding and make more people confident to leave cars and buses and take to two wheels."

KCC, which is working with Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council on this scheme, says studies have previously shown that 20mph zones encourage active travel, increasing walking and cycling levels by about a fifth.

The new limit is being introduced through what is known as an Experimental Traffic Order, which means changing the speed zone, testing the impact and monitoring how it performs. KCC says it will consult with the community before deciding whether to make the 20mph limit permanent.

Read more: All the latest news from Tonbridge