Kentish Express Ashford & District
Crash prompts renewed road safety action plea
tcollins@thekmgroup.co.uk A crash that left a motorcyclist fighting for his life has prompted safety calls from concerned residents.
Members of the Sandyhurst Lane Residents’ Association (SLRA) are repeating their previous warnings about the junction at Potters Corner, where Sandyhurst Lane meets the A20.
The group say they have been campaigning for road safety measures to be improved at the junction for the past two years.
Their latest plea follows a collision between a biker, believed to be in his 20s, and the driver of a hatchback car about 4.10pm last Wednesday.
SLRA secretary David Porter said: “There have been numerous road traffic accidents at this junction and, in the last four years, at least three of these have resulted in serious injuries.
“We initially tried to persuade KCC Traffic Schemes to extend the existing 40 mph limit on the A20 to include Potters Corner.
“KCC did not agree to this proposal, but did concede that the accident record was sufficiently bad that new road safety measures should be introduced
“They have proposed a scheme to install new static and flashing signs on the A20 near the junction, which we were originally told would be installed in 2012/13.
“We are now over a quarter of the way through that financial year 2013/2014 and still there is no sign of the proposals being brought forward.
“The recent serious accident highlights the need for urgent action to be taken.
“Our thoughts are with the those who have been seriously injured, both in the most recent accident and on previous occasions.”
The latest crash involved the young man, who was riding a black Kawasaki Ninja 900 motorbike, and a Red Peugeot 306.
The biker, believed to be in his 20s, was airlifted to the Royal London Hospital following the crash.
The A20 was closed in both directions until 7.30pm while emergency services dealt with the crash and cleared the vehicles.
The biker remained in a critical but stable condition as the Kentish Express went to print on Wednesday.
Witnesses are urged to phone the Kent Police Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 01622 798538.