‘ We have a SMART solution’

A new plan is needed for the Linton Crossroads as previous studies have struggled to take into account all contributing factors, including the proposed LeedsLangley Relief Road.

That is the view of the South Maidstone Action for Roads and Transport forum (SMART).

The Linton Crossroads is a complex four-legged multi-lane junction with many different turning manoeuvres. It was remodelled years ago and the traffic signals were re-phased because of its poor accident record. But the junction still suffers long delays.

SMART undertook a traffic survey and counted over 28,000 vehicles in 11 hours – 10,098 vehicles

In our continuing series on Maidstone’s traffic problems, we highlight the A229, where drivers first survive the Wheatsheaf junction then congestion at the Swan junction before finally arriving at Linton Crossroads

in both directions on A229 Linton Road, 8,879 on Heath Road east and 9,187 on Heath Road west.

Its report highlighted high speeds at the junction, regular instances of careless driving, pedestrian traffic from The Cornwallis Academy and housing plans for the surrounding villages. SMART wants a more extensive solution – including replacing the traffic lights with a roundabout.

Cllr Susan Grigg, who represents Loose Ward and is a SMART committee member, said: “Modelling studies of Linton Crossroads from Maidstone council and vari- ous transport assessments have shown the junction is beyond its practical capacity and will be grossly beyond capacity by 2031.

“With the very significant effect the proposed Leeds–Langley Relief Road would have at the junction, this is not an issue that can be ignored.”