News on 20mph Faversham

Lots to cover this week: planters planted, councillors photographed, webinar published, wheelie bin stickers and cycle training now available

County Councillor Michael Payne and Town Councillor Eddie Thomas officially launch the 20mph scheme.

The planters are looking much better now that they are planted up. KCC has agreed to maintain them during the period of the trial, which is good news. Let us know if you and your neighbours want to adopt one and keep it looking nice.

Eddie Thomas chaired a webinar about the 20mph scheme. Panellists Amanda Russell, founder of the 20’s Plenty for Faversham campaign, Phil Jones, the scheme designer and Jamie Watson, KCC project manager spoke about:

• the history of the scheme and how it has received widespread support from within the community and across the political spectrum;

• the design of the current scheme and possible future enhancements; and

• how the funding was obtained from central government.

They answered questions sent in on a variety of topics: enforcement, air pollution, how 20mph reduces road danger and many others. If you have any questions about the scheme, watch the webinar at https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=370378990667768&extid=gWUzOEocBNM4dfd8 .

We have received over 600 comments at https://20mphfaversham.commonplace.is/ about making Faversham better for walking and cycling. We will shortly close this stage of the engagement and assess how to implement your initial suggestions. If you have more concerns or other thoughts, let us know within the next couple of weeks. Once we have summarised your suggestions, we will start gathering your feedback on which proposals would bring most benefit to the scheme in practice.

Cycle training sessions are still available on Sunday 4th or 25th October. Call the West Faversham Community Centre reception on 01795 537321. A 90 minute introductory session costs just £10. There are sessions for beginners and sessions for those that want to get more confident riding a bike on busy roads. These will also help drivers that want to understand how cyclists are being taught to ride safely. Do book onto one and experience it yourself.

‘Healthier, Safer, Cleaner’ stickers for wheelie bins are available from the Town Hall, or email commonplace@favershamtowncouncil.gov.uk