Road safety measures in Crockenhill

For a long time, local residents and the Parish Council have sought solutions to safety problems at the junction of Main Road, Cray Road and Broadway. I have committed money from my Member Highway Fund for either a mini-roundabout or a change of priorities at the junction.

However, the safety audit at Kent Highways concluded that these measures would require removal of many of the parking bays by the local shops - which would be disastrous for those businesses and the village. So, frustratingly, it has been back to the drawing board. However, after a site visit involving Kent Highways officers, the Parish Clerk and me, some fresh proposals have been brought forward. These include an interactive sign on the Cray Road approach (where vehicles are most likely to approach at speed) as well as other signs and road markings on the three approaches to the junction to  emphasise to drivers that they are coming towards it and into the centre of the village. Highways officers are also looking at better signage to deter inappropriate HGV journeys into the village centre, in particular by those simply following their SatNavs.

Local residents have waited a long time for measures that will tackle the problems at this junction, but we now have some clear proposals and a will to get on with them as quickly as possible.