We are calling for an urgent review and reduction of the speed limit on Heaverham Road, in order to improve safety for local families—especially parents and children who walk or cycle to nearby schools.

This road is regularly used by families attending Bumble Bees Day Nursery and Kemsing Primary School. However, the current speed limit of 40 mph, combined with poor pedestrian infrastructure, presents significant risks to those using the walkway.

The pavement is narrow and often obstructed by overgrown hedges, fallen leaves, and mud—particularly during the autumn and winter months. This makes it difficult for parents to walk safely alongside their children, forcing many to walk in single file or dangerously close to the road. Kemsing Council have said that they will review this but it is not enough to sufficiently improve safety for pedestrians along this road. 

Key concerns include:

• Children having to walk in single file instead of beside a supervising adult.
• Large vehicles, including food delivery vans, often forcing oncoming cars to mount the pavement where pedestrians are walking.
• Many drivers exceed the 40 mph limit, especially as the national speed limit sign is visible when heading towards Wrotham.
• There is a lack of clear signage warning drivers of nearby schools and pedestrian activity.
• In wet weather, children and parents are frequently splashed by fast-moving vehicles due to standing water on the road.

As the darker, colder months approach, visibility for drivers will worsen, and pedestrians will face increased hazards such as ice, mud, and limited lighting. This also reduces the possibility of pedestrians opting for alternative paths. Now is the time to act—before a serious incident occurs.

We urge the relevant authorities to reduce the speed limit on Heaverham Road to 30 mph and implement clearer signage to protect the families who rely on this route daily.