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Four Elms Hill in Chattenden to see mobile speed cameras after Gillingham fan Brian Durden killed in crash as neighbours say proposals not strong enough

Questions have been raised after plans for temporary speed cameras on a stretch of road where a man died last year were revealed.

Brian Durden was killed when he was struck by a car on Four Elms Hill in Chattenden.

The crossing at Four Elms Hill by Chattenden Lane in Chattenden has been allocated as a site for temporary mobile speed cameras. Picture: Google
The crossing at Four Elms Hill by Chattenden Lane in Chattenden has been allocated as a site for temporary mobile speed cameras. Picture: Google

His death prompted calls for an urgent review of road safety on the busy stretch between Wainscott and the Hoo Peninsula.

Rochester and Strood MP Kelly Tolhurst this week confirmed plans have been made for mobile speed cameras to be used on the road with new warning signs also installed.

She said: "It is hoped that this measure will deter speeding drivers and will hopefully prevent another tragic loss of life on this road."

Ms Tolhurst says she has held meetings with Medway Council and the police about the collision and further action "to understand what could be done to improve road safety".

It is understood the mobile cameras will come into operation in the coming weeks.

Brian Durden died at the scene of the crash on Four Elms Hill last October 26. Photo: Gills Independent Supporters Club
Brian Durden died at the scene of the crash on Four Elms Hill last October 26. Photo: Gills Independent Supporters Club

Mr Durden, 69, was crossing the road by Chattenden Lane at about 6pm last October 26 when he was hit by a black Peugeot 206 GTI and died at the scene.

But concerned residents believe the proposals do not go far enough to deter speeding on the hill, which has a 40mph speed limit approaching the crossing.

The dual carriageway has a 70mph limit from the Four Elms roundabout until a few hundred yards before the crossing on top of the hill where Mr Durden died.

Residents say cars are often seen travelling faster through the area which would be better served by installing permanent cameras at least.

One described the move as a "weak response" with fears temporary cameras would not act as enough of a deterrent to slow drivers down.

Others called for a reduced speed limit along the entire stretch of Four Elms Hill between the crossing and the A289 Wainscott bypass.

The crossing at Four Elms Hill by Chattenden Lane in Chattenden has been allocated as a site for temporary mobile speed cameras. Picture: Google
The crossing at Four Elms Hill by Chattenden Lane in Chattenden has been allocated as a site for temporary mobile speed cameras. Picture: Google

Mr Durden, from Wainscott, was an avid Gillingham fan, who was known among supporter groups as "Mr Gillingham", and regularly travelled to watch the Gills home and away.

A tribute from the Gills Independent Supporters Club shortly after his death said: "Brian was a lovely person who was the backbone of our away support. He was awarded the GISC Supporter of the Year award in 2007-2008 and will be instantly recognisable to any Gills supporter.

"Brian is, and always will be, Mr Gillingham. Our condolences go to all his friends and family. RIP Brian – you will be greatly missed by us all."

Tributes were left for Mr Durden
Tributes were left for Mr Durden

A 39-year-old was arrested and later released under investigation in connection with the crash.

A Medway Council spokesman said the local authority was not ruling out introducing fixed-speed cameras in future.

They added: “The aim is to encourage road users to adhere to the existing speed limit.

“Taking into account the type of road, speed cameras are considered an appropriate speeding deterrent tool. Other physical calming measures are not available for this type of road.”

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