‘Death trap’ road to have 40mph limit introduced

A2070 speed reduction for six months during survey works Chappell

The new 40mph speed limit on the A2070 is set to be introduced later this month.

Highways England intends to make an order for the speed restrictions to apply for 24 hours a day on both carriageways from the Orbital Park roundabout up to junction 10 on the M20 in the interests of road safety while contractors carry out survey works.

The work is expected to start on Monday, July 24 and last six months. The order would come into force on July 22 and last for a maximum of 18 months.

The news follows years of misery for motorists on the road, who have long complained of it being a “death trap” at the junction with Barrey Road at the Ashford Retail Park.

Workers at the retail park and industrial estate in Sevington say the exit turning on to the A2070 Bad Munstereifel Road has become a nightmare over the past year since new units on the site have been filled by firms like DFS and B&M Bargains.

Nick Hanson, owner of Ashbury Furniture on the retail site, said previously: “The junction isn’t man enough for the businesses on the park. There are weekly accidents.

“We have got a housing estate, a retail park and a business park and we don’t have proper access in or out.”

Numerous suggestions have been made regarding how to improve the exit and entrance at the junction, including traffic lights and a roundabout.

Freddie Clements, 71, suggested to the KE there should be a filter lane from Barrey Road onto the A2070 at the junction.

Ashford mum and resident Stacey-Louise Smith set up a petition for a roundabout or traffic lights at the junction in November last year which thousands of worried workers and residents signed.

She said recently: “The speed limit has remained at 70mph, which is too fast. It’s like playing chicken getting across com- ing from junction 10. Sooner or later someone will be killed.

“The sooner it’s sorted the better.”

In June, a large accident at the junction resulted in emergency services shutting the A2070 in both directions.

The three-car crash caused delays at Barrey Road but fortunately no serious injuries were reported.

It is hoped the new speed restrictions will alleviate some of the congestion issues and accidents.

Traffic builds up on the exit and entry to the retail park; our report on the death trap claims