Horn Street 20mph zone discussed with Kent Highways

Cheriton Councillor Tim Prater met with St Martins Primary School Headteacher Kate Love and a representative of Kent Highways in Horn Street, Cheriton before Christmas to discuss the issues of speeding and traffic in the road.

Tim had requested the site meeting with Kent Highways Officer Donna Rixon as the road has had a number of accidents, and local residents, parents, the school and Councillors are concerned about the speed of traffic on the narrow road, and the congestion at school opening and closing times.

Kate Love explained the recent accidents in the road, and a lower 20mph speed limit past the school, the positioning of speed warning signs, the potential for an"active" (flashing) sign and other issues were discussed.

Donna Rixon committed that Kent Highways would order a traffic survey outside the school for early in 2009 to monitor traffic speeds and volumes, and that from that other options can be investigated.

Tim Prater, who is also Chair of Governors at St Martins School, commented:

"I was pleased we could get Kent Highways down to Horn Street to see the issues for themselves, and that they have committed to a fresh traffic survey in the area which will be needed as the first stage of any new measures.

"I was disappointed to learn that 20mph zone implementation is apparently 'on hold' across Kent: I hope that they get if 'off hold' as soon as possible. Given the narrowness and bends in Horn Street as well as the school, 30mph is just too quick in this road. I agree with the hundreds of local residents and parents who have signed a petition calling for a 20mph zone. In Horn Street, twenty is plenty."