Hundreds flock to comment on Colts Hill safety scheme

MORE than 300 local people have given their views on controversial plans to reduce casualties at one of West Kent's worst traffic blackspots.

Residents turned out in their droves on Saturday to attend a Kent County Council presentation on improvements to the A228 Colts Hill at the Five Oak Green community centre.

If approved, the £100,000 scheme will see a raft of safety measures introduced, including verge marking posts, red road surfacing at danger points and new warning signs.

Project manager Gareth Williams said it was the best-attended consultation he had ever held.

Mr Williams said: "We had exhibition boards up detailing the scheme and it got quite a mixed reception. Everyone agreed that we have to do something along Colts Hill to reduce the number of crashes. I don't think there's any doubt about that.

"We want to make roads safer for everyone with as little inconvenience as possible."

The main talking point among visitors was the experimental closure of Crittenden Road at its western end for one year.

Mr Williams said: "A number of people accepted that it would improve safety there markedly, but equally a number of people were concerned that the crash problem at this crossroads could be moved to other places.

"We will take on board all of their comments."

Brenchley and Matfield parish council chairman Mike Mackenzie said his parishioners had suggested realigning the problematic staggered Crittenden/Alders Road crossroads or installing traffic lights or a roundabout instead.

Mr Mackenzie said: "Five years ago when they costed the A228 bypass it was £10 million – now it is £25 million, so they have already lost £15 million by procrastination. In 10 years time it will be £100 million and a roundabout will probably cost £2 million now and do exactly what they want and slow the traffic down. It would be money well invested."

But Mr Williams responded: "The problem with those is it would involve a lot of land take and a lot of time to purchase and to organise. We are looking to reduce casualties as soon as we possibly can."

Colts Hill resident Charles Mackonochie, who, as chairman of the Colts Hill Action Group was invited to sit on the working party, has campaigned for improvements at the blackspot for several years.

He said: "The key thing to remember is these are ideas to start the debate. I don't necessarily agree with every part of it, but I believe it will work.

"We have to consider safety and the residents of Crittenden Road.

"It will inconvenience them and the residents of Colts Hill itself massively, including myself.

"But if it means a life is saved or an injury is prevented then I have to accept that."

What do you think about the proposals? Let us know at www.thisiskent.co.uk/paddockwood