The new 20mph zone for Hythe has now been delivered. It stretches from Stade Street to the east to West Parade to the south and St Leonard’s Road, Cinque Ports Avenue and Portland Road to the west, plus all roads in between. This will be a major aid to road safety in this densely residential part of the town, which also includes Hythe Bay Primary School, AgeUK, Hythe Library, the council offices and Oaklands doctors surgery.
The scheme was championed by our Green KCC member, Martin Whybrow, and financed by the Green-led Hythe Town Council, financed using the developer-funded Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL). The scheme has been very well received by residents. The opportunity stemmed from a change in attitude to 20mph zones as a result of a nation-wide study of existing zones by central government, which showed conclusively that they bring a reduction in speeds, fatalities and serious injuries.
Unfortunately, not all roads are deemed suitable for 20mph, as Kent Police will claim this limit is not enforceable if current average speeds are too high (typically about 25-26mph). As a result, other potential measures are being studied for additional roads in the area, including South Road and Twiss Road.
We are also delighted that, again headed by Martin, delivery of a reduced speed limit from 60mph to 40mph through Court-at-Street, Lympne, is now on the way, along with clear signage and gates at both ends of the hamlet. This was done with the full support of residents (after a number of serious incidents) and with the support of Lympne Parish Council. The scheme was funded by Martin via his KCC Community Members Grant.
Martin says: “I am delighted at the delivery of both these schemes and particularly appreciate the support of our local KCC highways officer, Damien Cock. They have been enthusiastically welcomed by residents and the evidence now clearly shows that reducing speed limits, while not a panacea, is important in improving the safety for all road users and pedestrians.”
