In June 2017, Preston joined forces with Wingham, Littlebourne, Stodmarsh, Bramling, Ickham and Shatterling to form a local pressure group to lobby KCC and our local MP’s over a range of traffic issues. One of these was to press for the introduction of 20mph speed limits as part of an overall traffic-calming plan. This idea had the support of Preston Parish Council and the Preston Village Society. However, KCC informed us that they would only consider implementing a reduced speed limit in villages that have a high KSI (killed or seriously injured) rate. Preston does not fall into this category.
Although it sounds perverse - the lack of any serious traffic accidents in Preston over many years has limited our chance of getting more radical traffic calming measures approved by KCC.
Brake is a road safety charity working with communities and organisations across the UK to stop the tragedy of road deaths. It aims to make streets and communities safer for everyone and support people seriously injured on roads. To read more about their position on speed limits in rural communities and especially 20mph speed limits, please click on the above link (shown in bold).