Tonbridge 20mph zone - Experimental Order

Consultation has concluded

Update 11 February 2022

Following the Tonbridge and Malling Joint Transportation Board on 22 November 2021 the decision has been taken to return Pembury Road, Quarry Hill Road, Shipbourne Road and London Road back to 30mph and for the remaining roads in the trial area to be made 20mph permanently.

The public notice period to make the experimental order permanent runs from 11 February to midday on 28 March 2022. 

The full public notice is available to view on our website. 


Healthier Safer Cleaner Tonbridge with 20 in a heartAn experimental Traffic Regulation Order was made to introduce a Tonbridge town-wide 20mph speed limit.

The Order was made to encourage walking and cycling and for the following legal reasons:

  • avoid the danger to persons or other traffic using the road or any other road or for preventing the likelihood of any such danger arising.
  • for preserving or improving the amenities of the area through which the road runs.

The Order came into effect on the 18 September 2020, when the works to implement the speed limit were completed. The trial can run for up to 18 months (until March 2022). 

The consultation closed on 3 March 2021. Responses have been analysed and the Consultation Report is now available.

Update 11 February 2022

Following the Tonbridge and Malling Joint Transportation Board on 22 November 2021 the decision has been taken to return Pembury Road, Quarry Hill Road, Shipbourne Road and London Road back to 30mph and for the remaining roads in the trial area to be made 20mph permanently.

The public notice period to make the experimental order permanent runs from 11 February to midday on 28 March 2022. 

The full public notice is available to view on our website. 


Healthier Safer Cleaner Tonbridge with 20 in a heartAn experimental Traffic Regulation Order was made to introduce a Tonbridge town-wide 20mph speed limit.

The Order was made to encourage walking and cycling and for the following legal reasons:

  • avoid the danger to persons or other traffic using the road or any other road or for preventing the likelihood of any such danger arising.
  • for preserving or improving the amenities of the area through which the road runs.

The Order came into effect on the 18 September 2020, when the works to implement the speed limit were completed. The trial can run for up to 18 months (until March 2022). 

The consultation closed on 3 March 2021. Responses have been analysed and the Consultation Report is now available.

Consultation has concluded

  • 12 November 2021

    In addition to consultation responses, data from the following activities will help inform our decision:

    • attitudinal surveys - carried out face-to-face with a representative sample before and towards the end of the trial
    • average speed surveys in certain locations
    • crash statistics although this needs to be over a longer period than the 12-month trial period – normally 3 years
    • engagement with district council partners and statutory consultees, including emergency services
    • Equality Impact Assessment
    • pedestrian and cycle counts - carried out before, during and towards the end of the trial
    • use of existing air quality stations - any changes in air quality will have to be understood over a longer period than twelve months.

    An independent evaluation of the 20mph trials in Tonbridge and Faversham has been produced presenting the findings from the quantitative and qualitative data sources and is available to view from the Reports section. A summary for Tonbridge is also available. These findings will be discussed, and a recommendation made at the Tonbridge & Malling JTB on 22 November 2021.

    The trial remains in operation until a decision is made on the future of the scheme.

  • September 2021

    The Consultation Report was discussed at the Tonbridge and Malling Joint Transportation Board on 20 September 2021.

    The trial remains in operation whilst we complete the other monitoring and evaluation work.

    A public report will be produced presenting the findings from all of these activities and will be available from this webpage. These findings will be shared and discussed with Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council for a recommendation to KCC’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport which is anticipated to be in November 2021.