Crashes

The majority of crashes occur in Sundridge, Brasted and Westerham, with 31 involving personal injury between December 2004 and the end of November 2007, the most recent figures available.

This is a rate of 49.4 crashes per 100 million vehicle kilometres, significantly higher than the national average of 36.

The percentage of crashes in which pedestrians were injured was also above the national average.

The total of 37 crashes along the stretch of the A25 between December 2004 and the end of November 2007 was lower than 46 in the preceding three years.

The report suggests that the speed of traffic along the A25 may be a factor, with many crashes occurring as vehicles try to turn right across traffic or pull out of T-junctions.

Speeding

The report said speed limits throughout the villages do not appear to be observed, something which is a common complaint from residents.

The existing speed limits were generally found to be suitable. The 30mph signage on the way into Sundridge, Brasted and Westerham should be enhanced to increase driver's awareness.

Maintenance

The report highlights the poor road surface along the stretch, recommending repairs in 41 places.

The state of the pavement also came in for criticism, with 17 places needing repair being identified.

Blocked gullies, which potentially could lead to flooding along the road, were also highlighted as a problem, with 16 places identified as needing cleaning.

Other problems that need tackling along the road, according to the report, include dirty and misaligned signs and poor lighting.

Sundridge

The ratio of serious and fatal crashes was particularly bad in Sundridge at 30 per cent, more than double the national average of 14 per cent, with one fatal, when pedestrian Rita Steer was knocked down in November last year, and one serious crash during the three years.

Sections of the pavement through the village are in poor condition and need to be repaired, according to engineers who walked along the route.

The report also recommends double yellow lines on be added either side of the junction with New Road to improve the view for vehicles exiting the side road. Sevenoaks District Council is currently considering plans to extend road markings at the junction.

Slow road markings could be added at the western approaches to the shop and post office on the Main Road.

Brasted

A number of potential trip hazards for pedestrians were identified in the town, including a protruding utilities covers opposite Tanners and outside Chartwell Kitchens and Chartside House.

Westerham

The report recommends adding a junction on bend sign and slow road markings prior to Hosey Hill to raise motorists' awareness of the bend and speed limit. A man was seriously injured in an accident on the bend last month.

It also recommended adding a slow road marking to the road on the eastern approach to Vicarage Hill.

The report identifies the footpath alongside of the Darenth Car Park is in a very poor condition, particularly as it is subsiding.

Foodlights to illuminate pedestrian crossings could be repaired, if the recommendations in the report are carried out, including ones on the traffic island near the Green and zebra crossing on Market Square.

Residents had asked Kent Highways for lights pointing at the zebra crossing to be reinstated but had been told it was not possible.

The cobbled pavement outside the George and Dragon pub and the cracked pavement slabs outside the Kings Arms have been recommended for repair to prevent a possible trip hazard for pedestrians.

Read the full A25 Route Study report