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Dash cam footage shows nightmare conditions faced by drivers on Ensfield Road between Leigh and Tonbridge

By: Liane Castle lcastle@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 06:00, 08 July 2020

Dash cam footage shows the dangerous conditions thousands of drivers have to face each day along one narrow stretch of country road.

The video shows vehicles double parked leaving narrow gaps making it difficult for drivers travelling along Ensfield Road between Leigh and Tonbridge.

Dash cam footage shows the dangers residents are facing

The resident who captured the footage but wished to remain anonymous says this has become a daily battle and is "an accident waiting to happen".

One district councillor working to resolve the issue is pushing for Kent County Council (KCC) to introduce double yellow lines.

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James Osborne-Jackson, who represents Leigh and Chiddingstone Causeway, said: "It's dangerous the way people park along this road. I've had so many calls, emails and letters about this that it just goes to show it's a real concern and something needs to be done about it.

"I have spoken to Cllr Peter Lake who is the county member for Sevenoaks and we are working together to get the steps in place to introduce yellow lines.

"At the moment because there are no lines, there's nothing KCC can do. Police can deal with immediate dangerous parking but there are barriers to that and it's not enough to stop people.

Cllr James Osborne-Jackson

"I also support the speed limit being slightly reduced too. The road is currently set to the national speed limit which along with the current conditions is too high.

"It is not designed to have that many cars parked, but if they are going to be there, we are going to have to start looking into safety issues."

Cllr Osborne-Jackson, who has been the conservative ward councillor since May, says the conditions have been made worse by lockdown with people parking up to take their daily exercise along the nearby footpaths.

He added: "It's been a problem for many years. When the weather gets warmer people want to get out if they don't have a garden but, it has definitely been made worse by lockdown this year.

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"The issue will come back again next year unless the county council and the district council agree to double yellow lines and I will keep pushing for them.

"It's dangerous the way people park along this road..."

"It doesn't help that people don't realise the public footpath only goes so far. Once they reach the end they are on private land and that is something we are working with the landowner at Penshurst Place to resolve."

New signs will be introduced warning visitors of the restrictions in the next few weeks with the hope of reducing numbers.

Cllr Osborne-Jackson added he hopes the new measures will be in place in time for next spring.

Sevenoaks District Council spokesman said: "We are working closely with Kent Police, Penshurst Parish Council and Penshurst Place to deal with the parking and other issues of concern.

"The Parish Council has asked Kent County Council to consider putting in double yellow lines so we can carry out parking patrols. Our local District Councillor has also contacted KCC to enquire about changing the speed limit.

"The Police are attending on a regular basis, moving people on, and Kent Fire and Rescue Service are regularly patrolling the area too.

"The landowner, Penshurst Place, is putting up signs advising visitors it is a private site and swimming and BBQs are not allowed.

"We have also written to a well-known London-based entertainment guide asking them to cease promoting the site."

Read more: All the latest news from Sevenoaks

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