Some Traffic calming in Coxheath

by Alan Smith

Controversial traffic calming in Coxheath is to be changed.

Kent Highways will remove two of the seven road build-outs along Heath Road while negotiations with the parish council and residents continue to find a more effective and acceptable calming scheme.

Another build-out, close to the Orchard Medical Centre, will either be realigned or removed. Work is expected to start in October half-term.

The concession was made at a meeting on Wednesday, July 29.

Campaigner Richard Purves, of Coxheath Residents Against Senseless Hazards (Crash), said: “Finally, KCC seems to have mellowed slightly.

“They promised to remove the two outer road blocks as an interim measure to comply with the 2008 safety audit.

“They also admitted for the first time that the original consultation that they held with residents before the calming scheme was introduced was flawed – they didn’t consult widely enough.”

David Hall, head of Kent Highway Services’ transport and development, said: “Following extensive consultation this year, three of the build-outs
will be removed at a cost of £17,000.

“The first build-outs that drivers encounter when travelling into the village will be removed entirely and a third, close to the medical centre, will be moved to a different location.

“Although the scheme, which initially cost £125,000, has successfully reduced drivers’ average speeds, we are reacting to local concerns that the measures are causing unnecessary delays and congestion."

He added that safety cameras were not an option as government guidelines say they should only be considered where there has been three or more serious crashes in three years but KCC would look at whether a change in local policy was needed.