Resident warns unlit Kent junction with 60mph speed limits lacks warnings, causing numerous accidents.
Steve Smith wants to raise awareness. He hopes publicity will lead to change. He contacted KentLive with his concerns. Smith tracked accidents for about a year. He noted that they all occurred at night.
The junction is near Paddock Wood where Mile Oak Road, Church Road, and others meet. Smith says traffic has increased, especially more HGVs.
The roads meet at the national speed limit of 60 mph. Signs are missing, except one twisted sign, and streetlights are also absent.
Smith says most crashes occur at night, though some daytime incidents were reported to him. Traffic has grown busier during mornings and evenings, with more HGVs at these times.
He thinks many accidents go unreported and some reports are not recorded, especially without injuries. A solo driver might avoid insurance claims. Drivers might exchange information instead or leave the scene, Smith believes, meaning no official report happens in these cases.
Kent County Council suggests a solution: Smith should talk to local councillors, as they might prioritize highway improvements.
Smith shared a list of recent incidents. A car crossed Mile Oak Road onto a field, while another went into a hedge on Pearsons Green Road. Another vehicle drove through a hedge on Church Road.
A car entered The Elm Tree’s parking area and damaged two parked vehicles. Two cars had a head-on collision there too, and a vehicle hit a cyclist turning onto Church Road. These accidents all occurred recently.
The council stated their review process, checking accident reports with injuries over three years to find patterns linked to road design. The council says current data shows no injury pattern there.
The council suggests talking to the local council to help him see progress on this issue, as they work with elected officials and listen to community concerns this way. Smith should share his concerns with the parish council, as they decide highway improvement priorities. They contact the county if they support changes and share community backing for the change.