New speed markings in seaside town criticised

Cecil Park at the junction with Canterbury Road is one of the locations painted red

New speed limit markings in a Kent seaside town have been criticised for being dangerous.

Red paintwork has been used at nine junctions in Herne Bay to mark new 20mph speed zones.

Among the complaints are that the red sections are dangerously slippery for motorcyclists and the colour is too bright.

Kent County Council (KCC) said the markings were considered the "most appropriate" to encourage "self-enforcement".

The new markings appear on roads off Sea Street, Fleetwood Avenue and Station Road in the town.

James Wightman said the new red markings were "dangerously slippery" for motorcyclists

James Wightman, who owns Herne Bay Motorcycles, said: "I'm not against a 20mph speed limit as there are lots of children and older people in the town.

"However, these new road markings are dangerous for motorcyclists as they get very slippery in the rain."

KCC councillor for Herne Bay East, Dan Watkins, introduced the 20mph zones and said road safety was the most common complaint he had received from residents during his tenure.

Dan Watkins, who introduced the 20mph zones, said the speed limit was justified

Mr Watkins said: "When you look at the data, there have been 66 accidents reported in the areas now covered by 20mph limits in the past five years and those are just the accidents reported to police.

"All the evidence shows that dropping speeds drops the number, and more importantly the seriousness of, accidents as well so that it is justified."

In a statement KCC said: "The markings provide a clear indication to drivers that they are entering the new speed restriction area.

"The colour is considered most appropriate to provide a contrast, therefore highlighting the boundary and encouraging self-enforcement. The colour will fade in time."