Plans to reduce the speed limit at an accident blackspot which were later scrapped are back on the table after another U-turn.

Changes to reduce the speed limit along Marine Parade in Sheerness were all set to be implemented, but after initially approving the idea, Kent County Council (KCC) changed its mind.

Now, the authority has changed its mind again and has re-approved the scheme, which means the speed limit will be lowered.

Mike Whiting, who was then Independent councillor representing the area at KCC, had been lobbying for the drop from 40mph to 30mph since his election in May 2023. He submitted official plans in July last year.

When he lost his seat, the scheme was subsequently taken up by Cllr Maxwell Harrison (Reform UK), the current KCC member serving Sheppey.

Cllr Whiting, who still sits on Swale council, said he welcomed “the change of heart” by the authority.

He said: “This stretch of road has an appalling safety record, which has tragically resulted in too many deaths and serious injuries over the years.

“I believe the change in speed limit will make the road safer, particularly the brow of the hill near the entrance to Barton's Point, and I welcome the fact that the police speed camera will regularly be parked up in the area.”

Marine Parade runs between Sheerness and Minster, and it is used by hundreds of drivers every day.

Two people have been killed along the road within the last five years.

A 20-year-old pedestrian was hit by a VW Golf near the entrance to Barton’s Point in January last year.

Five years earlier, a 77-year-old woman died after a head-on collision involving an Age UK minibus and a car near the yacht club.

Following a public consultation and pitch to KCC, proposals were initially approved by officers in December last year.

It was also backed by Minster-on-Sea Parish Council and Sheerness Town Council.

Residents even launched a petition calling for speed cameras to be installed, which attracted more than 770 signatures.

However, by August, the authority had reversed its decision.

It came after police advised that its patrols could not “accurately enforce” the new limit in the direction of Barton’s Point.

Cllr Whiting explained that he, Cllr Harrison, KCC cabinet member for highways Cllr Peter Osborne (Reform UK) and his officers met on Monday, September 22 to discuss the scheme.

He told KentOnline: “We made the argument again – that it had been overwhelmingly supported by residents, funding had already been agreed, and it was approved by the director of highways at KCC.

“Everything was in place. When they cancelled it, it came as quite a shock.

“We were able to persuade them and they accepted the argument.”

Cllr Harrison said he was “delighted” with the decision.

He said: “Speaking with residents back in May, road safety was a massive priority, so it is well welcomed that KCC will take a tougher stance on speeding and dangerous driving, which endangers the lives of families and children on the Island.

“This decision demonstrates that the new Reform UK administration at KCC will listen to the voice of residents and put their best interests first.”

A mobile police speed camera van already sits in a lay-by along the road, which cost the council £18,000 to construct.

...it is well welcomed that KCC will take a tougher stance on speeding and dangerous driving, which endangers the lives of families and children on the Island.

A further £6,000 is needed to make all the necessary changes, with the final designs for the scheme to be completed in the coming months.

It is understood that it will be implemented by the end of January.

A KCC spokeswoman commented: “We’re pleased to confirm that the 30mph speed limit scheme for Marine Parade, Sheppey, has been approved.

“This decision follows close collaboration with local members, parish councils and Kent Police and reflects strong support from the local community.

“The scheme aims to improve safety for everyone using the road, and we’ll continue working with our partners to ensure its successful delivery.”