Forty-tonne lorries thundering along Middle Deal Road combined with double parking by cars has led to demands from residents for a one-way system or a relief road.

Deal Town Council organised a crisis traffic meeting on Monday after residents claim their lives are blighted by frequent snarl-ups with HGVs and congestion with vehicles travelling towards Southwall Industrial Estate, the recycling plant and the wider area.

One resident among more than 50 in attendance said the noise and congestion was worse than outside her former home in London with others saying they take their lives into their own hands on a daily basis.

Cllr Nick Tomaszewski, who helped host the meeting, said: “What we have is a route bearing 21st century traffic on a road built for medieval times.

“At surgeries this issue is one that will not go away and it’s getting steadily worse, with plans for 140 homes, a supermarket, innovation centre and nursery in addition to the 70 homes off Church Lane and Persimmon’s development.”

Before a solution was discussed, authorities were slammed for allowing the approval of a 140-strong housing development by Quinn Estates off Albert Road, without the necessary infrastructure in place.

David Rose said: “Why did you give it planning permission in the first place before a relief road was built?

“Living in Southwall Road we have to be so careful. You’re lucky to get out alive.”

Julie Thomsett, who was part of a group who fought against the construction of Minter’s Yard industrial estate, claims her garden wall has been knocked down three times and her house shakes when lorries pass by.

She said: “Have the infrastructure in before you build the houses – it’s not rocket science.”

County and district councillor Trevor Bond said planning committees were bound by legislation which stated that any sustainable development put forward should be passed as stated in the National Policy Planning Framework.

He agreed “100%” that no development should ahead without the infrastructure and pledged to challenge Kent Highways who continue to say roads in Deal are suitable to cope with the increased number of houses, when as a layman he can see that they are not.

Kent County councillor Derek Murphy suggested residents wrote to Deal and Dover MP Charlie Elphicke to push for a change in the law.

Councillors continue to invite views, email deal.town.council@deal.gov.uk