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A28 speed limit reduced in Chartham on stretch between Canterbury and Ashford

By: Joe Wright jwright@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 14:08, 24 February 2020

Updated: 12:11, 25 February 2020

A notorious stretch of road dubbed a "death trap" has had its speed limit lowered following two recent fatalities.

The A28 Ashford Road formerly had a 50mph restriction on the approach to Chartham but highways bosses have now slashed the limit by 10mph.

A new 40mph has been introduced

As of this morning, the new reduction is being enforced along a 824-metre stretch passing the Mansfield fruit farm junction.

Kent Highways agreed to introduce the safety measures after pedestrians Christopher Innes, 21, and Andrew Morrell, 74, were killed in separate incidents within just eight months of each other.

The 40mph limit, which ends at Chartham cemetery, links up with a current restriction in place at the lead-up to the Shalmsford Street junction.

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Chartham parish councillor Carol Manning is happy with the decision.

"We're very pleased - it's taken a long time to get it but we have got it at last," she said.

The route where a reduced speed limit is now implemented

"It's a pity it's not 40mph along the whole stretch but it's been lowered on the most dangerous part.

"It may be a bit confusing for some motorists as through Chartham it now goes 50, 40, 50, 40 - but it needed to be lowered.

"There's been two deaths there so it's clearly not a good bit of road.

"It's taken a lot of campaigning so it's a good achievement."

Commenting on Twitter, Jo Treharne echoed her thoughts.

The stretch leading to Chartham cemetery is now 40mph

She said: "Good. The road is an absolute death trap, people drive too fast, tailgate and overtake when it's not safe.

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"I hope it will be enforced."

In November 2018, county council leader Paul Carter dismissed calls for a lower speed limit, but the authority - which is responsible for highways - eventually rethought its stance.

Speaking last year, Brian Innes - the father of student, Christopher, who was killed on the road - called for action.

"The road is too fast," he said.

Christopher Innes was killed on the A28 in May 2018

"This was a tragedy waiting to happen, where my son was put in a vulnerable position."

Christopher died when he was hit by a car after getting off a bus at an unmarked stop opposite the Mansfield junction.

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Read more: All the latest news from Canterbury

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