More than a dozen near-misses have been reported within two days of traffic lights being turned off at a busy junction.

Recent incidents on the Coldharbour Roundabout in Maidstone are said to have been caused by poor signage and very little warning.

Improvement works in the area began on Monday, February 12 and are set to last 10 months.

The project costs £5m and has been paid for through the government's Local Growth Fund and developer contributions.

Kent County Council (KCC) says it will help reduce congestion and improve air quality, as well as the capacity to accommodate further development.

The junction will change from two lanes to three around the roundabout, with additional lanes provided on the approaches.

So far, contractors Breheny have installed a temporary concrete barrier and are moving excavated material to make way for the changes.

On Wednesday, April 17, the traffic lights were turned off – with drivers required to give way instead.

However, several close calls have happened since the changeover.

Rachel Rodwell (Green), who is running for the Allington and Bridge Ward in the upcoming Maidstone council elections, recently posted an appeal on social media.

She said: “When the lights were first switched off, I have been asking people to email me with any incidences/near misses. I've received quite a number and the list is growing.

“It is becoming clear that there have been quite a few near misses over the past few days – not helped with no prior warning on electrical signage of a substantial change on this roundabout and no adjustment of road markings.”

Rachel says there were 16 logged incidents within the first two days of the lights being switched off – the vast majority happening during the morning rush.

There have been two observations of actual accidents, one of which saw a car’s rear bumper taken off.

A further six incidences have happened where drivers coming from Aylesford have not looked right and cars on the roundabout have had to brake suddenly.

Similarly, vehicles leaving the M20 have cut across motorists already on the roundabout. This has been reported five times.

Cars have also been spotted stopping in the middle of the road where the lights have been turned off.

“There are signs on the actual roundabout, but there aren’t any leading up to it,” Rachel explained.

“I think people are expecting the lights to be on and then become hesitant. You are so used to having something and then it is suddenly gone without warning.

“Lots have been sailing through, but the problems have happened during rush hour.”

“It has been chaotic to say the least,” she said. “My concern was the lights went off with very little warning.

“For motorists who haven’t read the website, it did cause some confusion.

“It seems a little haphazard, but I am hoping it will right itself in the following weeks.”

Rachel plans on sending the data she has collated to KCC.

She added: “Regardless of lights, driver error, or careless driving, it is important that the council has a clear understanding – beyond relying on crash data – that there could be a safety issue at play here.”

Stan Forecast (Con), who is running for Palace Wood, also posted an update on Facebook.

He said: “This week I contacted KCC regarding concerns that some drivers thought the lights were not working rather than permanently in-operational.”

The councillor has requested workers should “bag” the lights and add more signage on the approach.

"Improving congestion here is essential given all the house building,” he told KentOnline.

“While the battle against overdevelopment in this area goes on, I will do all I can to ensure there is safe and sufficient infrastructure for the people of Allington.”

KCC has confirmed the traffic lights are set to be permanently removed today (May 1).

For the full list of candidates in the Maidstone Borough Council elections, click here.

You must take an official form of photo ID with you to the polling booth to vote on Thursday, May 2.