KCC U-turn on Traffic Calming in Coxheath

7.18.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 15th Sep 2009

Brian Moritmer and Colin Parr discussing the build-outs

Many residents attended the public meeting back in March and went away with hope that Kent County Council was listening and would act upon the views expressed. Sadly it appears that this was nothing more than a PR exercise just before the County Council elections. From consultation and the public meeting, it is very clear that the majority of residents do not want the present scheme, or either of the two alternatives put forward by Kent County Council.

At that public meeting residents were under the impression that the County Council would look favourably at speed cameras and speed tables and would incorporate crossing points, even though these are against its policy. The parish council and some residents have spent some time working on these alternatives, including having new drawings prepared. It would appear that these efforts have been a complete waste of time as Kent County Council have informed us that speed tables or cameras cannot be installed because ... "It's against policy"! County Council officers still believe that what is in place is the best solution.

The two build-outs at each end of Heath Road will be removed and the build-out by the Medical Centre will be either removed or replaced (we told the County Council it was wrong before these build-outs were installed). Coxheath Lib Dem Cllrs Brian Mortimer and Colin Parr warned Kent County Council before the traffic calming was installed that rat running would occur along Amsbury Road, West Way, Park Way and through Hunton and Linton but they would not listen! Brian and Colin will continue to put pressure on Kent County Council until a better and safer scheme is designed.