Call for action after lorry gets stuck in narrow streets
Villagers plagued by constant traffic misery
A village plagued by gridlock had more traffic misery to contend with, after a lorry became wedged in its narrow streets.
The entrance to East Farleigh Bridge was blocked after the HGV struck a wall and a house in Farleigh Lane at 3.30pm last Thursday, while it was reportedly trying to reverse away from the narrow causeway.
It is understood it then hit another vehicle while manoeuvring to get out of the jam.
Police were called to manage the traffic but fortunately no one was injured, and no structural damage was done to the house.
However, the incident has led to renewed calls for traffic bosses to re-think the signage along the road, which has a 6ft 6ins width restriction and a hand-operated railway level crossing.
It is already notorious for being grid-locked during rush hour, and earlier this year a petition was launched for road
‘The signs are very close to the bridge so by the time they reach it, it is almost too late to turn around’
and rail bosses to come up with a solution.
The campaign was launched by Sue Morris, who has lived in Vicarage Lane for 30 years, and has received more than 560 signatures.
The retired school teacher said: “Lorries are a particular problem on the bridge and have caused lots of damage over the years.
“It is an absolute nightmare. Drivers should not be going that way.
“While it may not be possible to solve some of the traffic problems there, one thing I think most people agree with is that we need to do something to stop the lorries, particularly by changing the signage so that drivers know in advance about the restrictions.
“Currently the signs are very close to the bridge so by the time they reach it, it is almost too late to turn around.”
As a result of the campaign, representatives from Network Rail, Kent Highways and the parish council have met to discuss what could be done, although residential access either side of the bridge, and the rail crossing mean traffic lights are not thought to be viable.
However, flashing warning lights at the level crossing are in the pipeline.
Latest figures show 6,840 motorists travel over the 14th century medieval bridge every day. Sign the petition at www. tinyurl.com/farleighbridge