A recommendation for the introduction of a 20mph pilot zone in Medway proposed by the Labour group was passed with cross-party support at the latest Regeneration Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

The proposal advocated using readily available capital funds through the Members Priorities Scheme, in order to implement a 20mph pilot scheme in Medway. This would ideally cover a neighbourhood with multiple schools in order to assess the impact and effectiveness of 20mph zones in Medway.

Evidence from 20mph zone pilot schemes elsewhere show that average vehicle speeds are decreased but more importantly the number of deaths and injuries occurring on roads are reduced.

The group also raised the cost-effective nature of the zones, which do not require a great deal of expensive engineering solutions.

This received cross-party support at committee level, and will be passed on to the Conservative cabinet for approval.

The Medway Labour and Co-operative Group have a strong record on working on improvements to make our roads safer. At this week’s January’s Full Council meeting, Cllr Harinder Mahil will ask a member’s question on the progress the Council has made with regards to road safety measures, including the use of 20mph speed limits.

Cllr Harinder Mahil said that, ‘It is vital that we continue to assess the progress the council is making in terms of tools to reduce casualties on our road networks, as unfortunately injuries and fatalities are far too common.

‘Only a few years ago I witnessed an incident outside Holcombe Grammar School where a child was seriously injured, and not too far from the same spot there was another accident last month.

‘Tools like the 20mph pilot zone are at our disposal, and it is important that as a Council we are doing all we can to make our roads as safe as possible.’

Medway Labour Group’s Spokesperson for Regeneration and Communities, Cllr Andy Stamp added, ‘The simple fact is that you are five times less likely to die if you’re hit at 20mph than if you’re hit at 30mph.

‘I’m really pleased to see our proposal for a 20mph pilot zone in Medway receive cross party support – as a council, we must do the right thing and invest in evidence-based approaches to road safety, which will ultimately save lives.

‘I am hopeful that the Cabinet will consider approving the recommendations.’