Faversham 20mph limit
A new town-wide 20mph limit in Faversham has been created as part of plans to increase walking and cycling. This scheme is one of various active travel initiatives to encourage more cycling and walking in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The changes around town included 20mph road markings and signs as well as signed 20mph ‘gateways’ as you drive in. These have either a buff or red surface to highlight the start of the new speed limit. We also installed planters to enhance some of the 20mph zone entrances.
There will be no other traffic calming measures such as speed bumps. However, throughout the trial period we monitored the effectiveness of the scheme and listened to your feedback, which means further measures may be taken to make it safer to walk and cycle.
We worked with Faversham Town Council and its 20's Plenty committee on this scheme.
Scheme documents
There are studies that show 20mph schemes encourage active travel, increasing walking and cycling levels by about a fifth because people feel safer.
More walking and cycling can help:
- improve health
- save money
- reduce traffic congestion
- increase levels of physical activity
- improve air quality.
Lower speeds give drivers and others more time to react.
By travelling at 20mph instead of 30mph, pedestrians and cyclists are 5 times more likely to survive a hit by a motorised vehicle. With a reduction of just 1mph, this can reduce casualties by an average of 6%.
Whether you are driving, walking or cycling around the town there is safety information for all road users on the Kent Road Safety website.
The consultation closed on 3 March 2021. Responses have been analysed and the consultation report is now available.
In addition to consultations responses, data from the following activities will help inform our decision:
- attitudinal surveys - carried out face-to-face with a representative sample before and towards the end of the trial
- average speed surveys in certain locations
- crash statistics (although this needs to be over a longer period than the 18 month trial period – normally 3 years)
- engagement with district council partners and statutory consultees, including emergency services
- Equality Impact Assessments
- findings from Faversham Town Council’s engagement platform
- pedestrian and cycle counts - carried out before and towards the end of the trial
- use of existing air quality stations - any changes in air quality will have to be understood over a longer period.
An independent evaluation of the 20mph trials in Faversham and Tonbridge has been produced presenting the findings from the quantitative and qualitative data sources. These findings, along with the full consultation report, were discussed at the Swale Joint Transportation Board on 6 December 2021 and a recommendation made to make the Faversham town-wide 20mph limit permanent.
The public notice period to make the experimental order permanent runs from 11 February to midday on 28 March 2022.
Funded by
This scheme is being funded by the Department for Transport’s Emergency Active Travel Fund.
