Hawkhurst crossroads’ closure for traffic light install sparks Goudhurst traffic fears and villager concerns over diverted lorries.
Goudhurst’s S-bend is known for traffic. Large trucks cause jams and property damage. The corner makes trucks look strange. Two trucks meeting is a real issue. One local, David Bolton, feels strongly.
Back Lane is a rat run near his home. The church wall has been hit often. It’s damaged beyond repair, he said. Some accept the heavy traffic flow. Shops need the passing customers to survive. The postman joked about waiting for a truck.
Soon, one appeared, carrying a metal container. It almost hides the old church. Road work and lights add to Goudhurst’s woes. The Hawkhurst crossroads will soon close.
A new traffic light system will be installed. This could worsen Goudhurst’s traffic problems. The work will take three months. A developer is paying for it.
Bolton is worried about even more traffic. He fears Goudhurst will be ignored. Councillor Sean Holden says many trucks use the crossroads. Some will likely go through Goudhurst. Southbound traffic will be diverted.
The High Street will stay open, but with delays. Lorries cause much damage to buildings. Judith Cassidy feels the problem is getting worse. She thinks back roads will be jammed.
Andrew Bennett lives by the bend. He hears noise but enjoys quiet nights. He suggests signs to deter truck drivers. He thinks insurance might be invalid for accidents.
Kat Hoyle says she got no warning. She also mentions bad car drivers pose a risk. More houses are built in Kent. A-roads are becoming full she said.
Hawkhurst has grown by nearly ten percent. Clare Enscombe shared that traffic data. The junction sees 1,600 vehicles per hour. Peak times aren’t always the most congested.
Holden says communication has been poor. He wants a pause to inform villagers. He wants a shorter project time period. Holden noted the diversion of trucks.
He said officials didn’t consult locals. He finds routing traffic through Goudhurst incredible. He has long fought the truck problem. A meeting is scheduled for March 12th.
Beverley Palmer agrees with Holden somewhat. She thinks the work needs doing soon. She wants better communication, though. Sue Firth worries about pedestrian access. Janet Vatcher thinks it will be hard.