A roundabout is set to close overnight for three weeks as it is earmarked for a six-figure redesign including multi-coloured road markings and new signage.

The Running Horse Roundabout on the A229 Blue Bell Hill near Maidstone will be closed from 8pm to 5am from April 15 as it is to be converted into a “Turbo Roundabout”.

Originating from The Netherlands, this style of road junction is designed to prevent drivers from switching lanes by using colour-coded routes. This means motorists will instead pick their chosen exit before entering the roundabout and follow the correct lane.

The redesign is said to cost Kent County Council around £650,000 and has been put forward in hopes of reducing crashes on the junction as well as improving lane discipline by users.

A KCC spokesperson said: “In the past three years, 13 personal injury crashes have been reported to us, making this junction a key priority for work to reduce injuries on the public highway. The figure for the past five years is 29.

“Given the extremely high volume of traffic that uses this route day after day, we are warning people of this change in advance of the works taking place, which are essential to ensure the safety of all road users.”

Existing informal cycling and pedestrian crossing points will be retained.

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