Council applies for 20mph limit in Kington to improve pedestrian safety

Kington Town Council has applied for a 20mph speed limit to be introduced to improve pedestrian safety.

Members have applied for a Traffic Regulation Order to be made to introduce the speed limit.

They said Kington is a historic market town with a medieval street pattern and the layout comprises of narrow carriageways, constrained footways and buildings positioned directly adjacent to the highway.

In their application they say; “The historic infrastructure was not designed to accommodate modern traffic volumes or vehicle speeds. As a result, there are increasing concerns regarding pedestrian safety, traffic speed and environmental impact within the town centre and surrounding residential streets.

“The council considers that the introduction of a 20mph speed limit is necessary and appropriate.”

The council says over 90 per cent of residents who took part in a local survey support the introduction of a 20mph zone within Kington.

They added that the town’s narrow streets and limited pavement widths are unsuitable for higher vehicle speeds, particularly given the proximity of residential properties to the highway.

The council also added that evidence demonstrates that lower speed limits contribute to a reduction in both the frequency and severity of road traffic collisions, thereby improving safety for all road users particularly pedestrians and vulnerable groups.

They said particular concern had been identified on Church Street and Victoria Road, as they experience vehicles accelerating as they exit the town centre leading to increased speed, noise and air pollution and a reduced speed limit would help to mitigate these impacts.

Councillors say the limited number of entry points into the town at Floodgates, Victoria Road, Headbrook, Hergest Road and Kingswood Road, make the scheme practical and cost effective to implement with clear opportunities for gateway signage, road markings and advance notification to drivers entering the town.

Chairman of Kington Chamber of Trade Emma Hancocks said in the past their members expressed mixed responses to the idea but they would raise the matter again.

The town council anticipates that West Mercia Police would support the 20mph limit, as it reflects community backing and has safety justification.

The council agreed to ask Herefordshire Council as a priority to consider the application to proceed with the traffic regulation orders, subject to consultation and funding.