Villagers have called the vandalism of speed signs on a busy main road “scandalous”.

All four 20mph zone signs on the A2 in Newington High Street have had black paint smeared across them.

The zone was introduced in April 2022 after a four-year battle, but residents said the limit wasn't being stuck to.

Councillor Richard Palmer, who represents Hartlip, Newington and Upchurch at Swale council, said he saw the graffitied signs on Wednesday last week.

He said: “It’s disappointing to see the vandalism although this sort of thing is happening across the country at the moment.

“The limit is in place for the safety of people on the high street as well as improving air quality in the village.

“It’s also to improve the traffic flow in the area.”

Umar Abanifi, a resident of Wickham Close in Newington since 2005, called the graffiti “scandalous”.

The 54-year-old said: “It’s ludicrous that someone has painted over the signs.

“Even when the signs are clear people beep, overtake and shout abuse at me when I am driving at the speed limit.

“People need to abide by the speed as the High Street is very narrow and there are lots of junctions where people need to get out.”

Shaun Robinson, a London Road resident, spotted the signs on the way home from a night shift.

He said: “Some people just have no sense. Just why?”

People took to social media to voice their anger at seeing the graffiti on the signs.

One commenter said: “So we all have to pay for the repair by this mindless individual. Most annoying.”

A Kent County Council spokesman said the signs will be cleaned “as soon as possible”.

He said: “We are aware that the signs have been vandalised and we have commissioned contractors to clean the signs.

“The police have also been informed.”

Kent Police has been approached for comment.