A20 Speed Limit Review, A20, Maidstone to Drovers Roundabout, Ashford.
Site Environment
SiteS is located between the western and eastern boundaries of Harrietsham, skirting the southern edge of the village. The site is generally level throughout up to a point just east of the railway bridge, after which the site inclines to the eastern gateway. There are footways to both sides of the road and a formal pelican crossing near the junction with East Street. There are nine junctions within its length, and one bend. At the western end of the site there are no properties and only one junction. This section of the site is similar to the environment in the adjacent section of site4. The western gateway is poorly located, as its present position does not tie into a change in the environment. There is substantial development through the remainder of the site in the way of residential premises and some retail outlets bordering both sides of the road with associated accesses. The site is used by a moderate number of vulnerable road users.
Conclusion / Recommended Treatment
The majority of siteS is an upper tier A class road where the road geometry and environment is suitable for the current 40mph speed limit. However the western end of the site between the current western gateway and Hook Lane has a geometry and environment that is the same as the adjacent section of site4. The required perception, particularly in the mind of eastbound drivers for the need to reduce speed when entering siteS is not present at the current gateway and this results in higher than desirable entry speeds into siteS. It should be moved eastwards into Site5 to a position, where there is a distinct change to the environment.

It is recommended that the western end of the site between the current gateway and a point some 15 metres east of Hook Lane be raised from 40mph to a 60mph national speed limit. The remainder of the site should remain as the current 40mph maximum speed limit. Gateway / terminal and repeater signing should be enhanced, and 40mph roundels placed at appropriate intervals.

A20 SiteS

Site Environment
Site6 is located between the eastern boundary of Harrietsham and a point just to the west of Hook Farm Cottages, Charing. The site is both level and undulating with restricted forward visibility in places, and passes through a mixture of semi rural and rural environments. There are nine junctions within its length and some bends and minimal accesses. A footway is provided on the north side of the road. There was no evidence of high usage by vulnerable road users.
Conclusion / Recommended Treatment
Site6 is an upper tier high quality A class road where the road geometry and environment is suitable for the current 60mph speed limit.

It is recommended that there is NO CHANGE to the current 60mph maximum speed limit. Gateway / terminal signing should be enhanced.