Request for Speed Restrictions on the A257 turned down by Kent County Council

When responding to the public consultation for Ash Parish Council’s Highway Improvement Plan, many residents requested a speed reduction on the A257 Ash Bypass.

The A257 was repeatedly cited as a major safety concern due to perceived excessive speeds and poor junction visibility.

The current speed limit on this road is 60mph and the Parish Council took your concerns to Kent County Council to request a reduction to 50mph, as part of the Highway Improvement Plan process.

Disappointingly, Kent County Council, as the Highways Authority, has made the decision that a speed reduction will not be possible on this stretch of the A257.  They informed the Parish Council:

“The wider team have discussed in depth the proposed speed reduction on A257, Ash and unfortunately this has not been deemed feasible. Having looked at the speed survey results in detail, the current speeds show a good compliance with the existing 60mph speed limit but also show that a 50mph would be largely not complied with. For us to consider reducing the speed on any road we look at the existing speeds and would need them to show support of a reduction by already travelling around the proposed speed limit but in this case, they do not. Therefore we will not be looking to reduce the speed limit here.”

On a positive note, the Parish Council have funded Kent County Council to install ‘Pedestrians Crossing’ Warning Signs at three locations along the A257 and these should be installed soon.

More updates on actions requested in the Parish Council’s Highway Improvement Plan will follow.