Roads which have been painted red and had a 20mph speed limit introduced have prompted fury in one popular UK seaside town.
Herne Bay in Kent has seen red boxes painted on nine roads which have seen the introduction of new 20mph speed limits with motorcyclists complaining they are too slippery and that the colour is too bright.
Kent County Council (KCC) said markings were considered to be “most appropriate” to encourage “self-enforcement” from drivers.
James Wightman, who owns Herne Bay Motorcycles, supports the new 20mph zones due to children and the elderly living in the area but says the new signage is dangerous.
He told the BBC: “I’m not against a 20mph speed limit as there are lots of children and older people in the town.
“However, these new road markings are dangerous for motorcyclists as they get very slippery in the rain.”
The markings have been installed in Sea Street, Fleetwood Avenue and Station Road in the town.
Dan Watkins, a KCC Conservative councillor for Herne Bay, said he had received a number of road safety complaints from residents.
He told the BBC: “When you look at the data, there have been 66 accidents reported in the areas now covered by 20mph limits in the past five years and those are just the accidents reported to police.
“All the evidence shows that dropping speeds drops the number, and more importantly the seriousness of, accidents as well so that it is justified.”
The council defended its new road markings by saying their colour and shine would fade over time.
A council spokesman said: “The markings provide a clear indication to drivers that they are entering the new speed restriction area.
“The colour is considered most appropriate to provide a contrast, therefore highlighting the boundary and encouraging self-enforcement. The colour will fade in time.”
