Critics of the lane markings at the Running Horse roundabout on the A229 just outside Maidstone may have won their case.

Motorists have been arguing for months that the traffic layout installed by Kent Highways in April is dangerous.

Now the authority has relented and announced it will be revising the scheme.

Ironically, KCC had altered the lane markings to make the junction safer as it had been one of the worst accident hotspots –with 27 injury incidents recorded in the past three years.

But drivers objected to the new instructions for vehicles joining the roundabout from Penenden Heath, along Sandling Road.

The road markings require motorists heading for the second turn-off to Aylesford to get in the right-hand lane, with the left-hand lane restricted to turning first left to Maidstone.

Many readers said that very little traffic actually sought to turn first left, and many drivers followed the standard Highway Code advice and stayed in the left-hand lane for Aylesford.

This led to conflict with drivers trying to follow the new markings, who then had to cross over into the left-hand lane for their turning. Traffic approaching from Aylesford’s Forstal Road faces a similar instruction – the left-hand lane is for the M20 exit only.

KCC director of highways John Burr promised a review once traffic had returned to normal after the school summer holidays.

That review has now been completed and a KCC spokesman says the council now plans to make some amendments.

It has emerged that police twice met KCC to raise concerns.

In July, officers told KCC: “Our main concern is that they [the lane markings] are incorrect/confusing to drivers and will lead to inappropriate lane discipline entering, and on, the roundabout, which could lead to collisions.”

The police agreed to a monitoring period.

Ted Bates, of The Oaks, Aylesford, was one of the drivers who complained repeatedly to KCC.

He said: “KCC’s stance was indefensible. I’m delighted to hear it has changed its mind, but annoyed it has been so obdurate about it for so long.”