PRESS RELEASE: Sevenoaks Town Council believe it is best placed to progress the 20-mph consultation within its local community

Published: 26 September 2023

Kent County Council and the Joint Transport Board have been discussing for some time that they would like further public consultation prior to moving forward with the project.

Sevenoaks Town Council believe it is best placed to progress this consultation within its local community and for this reason contacted the Joint Transport Board to offer to do this. The Town Council is also aware that other local councils in the district have consulted with their local residents direct on local community proposals for 20 mph. #

Cllr Claire Shea, Mayor of Sevenoaks said: “I’m delighted Sevenoaks Town Council has unanimously agreed to step in and help to deliver on the aspirations of the thousands of residents who have asked for safer streets in our town.

At the Joint Transportation Committee last week, the Town Council’s offer to drive the consultation on how to create safe routes to schools, and safer neighbourhoods, was accepted.

Now, we will work with Kent County Council to seek the views of residents over the next two months and refine the 20mph proposals to reach the best design for the town. As one of the original petitioners for 20mph speed limits, and now a councillor, I’m so pleased that we can finally start to progress on this important issue for so many people.

We know that more than 20 people a year are injured in crashes in central Sevenoaks, almost one every two weeks. Two students on the way to school have been seriously injured since the petitions started in 2018. It’s time to make walking and cycling safe for all.

The Town Council will start the consultation as soon as the format is agreed with KCC, and we hope that will be in the next six weeks. We are also working with KCC on other highways safety investments in locations across the town. Parents, schools, and Residents Associations across the town are keen to make this happen. We look forward to working with them”.