11 years on and still no action taken at ‘death trap’ junction

A former Ashford mayor and borough councillor has expressed serious concerns over the lack of action to improve safety at a dangerous stretch of road.

The Barrey Road junction with the A2070 in Sevington has been widely criticised recently, being dubbed by drivers and locals as a ‘death trap’ and ‘an accident waiting to happen’ as stationary traffic joins 70mph traffic on the dual carriageway as it leaves the expanding retail park.

Now John Holland, who served as mayor in 2012, is concerned that although calls have been made for safety action for 11 years, nothing has yet to be done.

He said: “There are no traffic lights at this junction, nor a roundabout.

“There has been many accidents for traffic emerging from the estate… as yet, no fatalities, merely shunts of one car onto another.

“In January 2006 I was an Ashford borough councillor, and along with other borough and county councillors, accompanied by Ashford MP Damian Green, we met with Kent Highways officials to resolve the problem. Former town mayor John Holland; traffic builds up on both exit and entry lanes to Ashford Retail Park at Sevington

“Three weeks later we were advised that nothing would be done.”

Then, earlier this year, Mr Holland attended a special forum arranged by Ashford Borough Council (ABC) as a resident and once again highlighted the problem.

He continued: “On numerous occasions many residents have tried to raise how dangerous the junction is, predicting a fatality awaiting to hap- pen. Several petitions have also attracted many signatories. But all to no avail.

“Only recently the matter was raised at an ABC sub-committee.

“The matter has also been referred to Highways England, the body dealing with a new junction 10a for the M20.

“It was hoped that this would include solving the Barrey Road junc- tion problem, but it is not proposed to be included in the plan.”

“Should there be a fatality, God forbid, all hell will be let loose.”

A spokesman for Highways England previously stated in November: “We are currently improving the junction by upgrading signage and increasing visibility for drivers.

“We will also be assessing the need for improvements at the roundabout as part of a larger future scheme.”

What do you think? Write to Kentish Express, 34-36 North Street, Ashford TN24 8JR or email kentishexpress@ thekmgroup.co.uk

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