‘Traffic chaos’ is averted as sliproads to stay open

A petition by the ambulance service has averted “unmitigated traffic chaos” over the closure of two Junction 10 sliproads.

Highways England had planned to shut the coastbound sliproad onto the M20 and the London-bound exit slip road at the same junction yesterday (October 16) - two weeks before the new coast-facing roads at Junction 10a are due to open on October 31.

But an appeal from the South East Coast Ambulance Service (Secamb) saw the decision repealed less than 24 hours after it was made.

A similar plan was set to take effect in August, however public outrage caused the move to be postponed then as well.

Speaking ahead of the U-turn last week, deputy leader of Ashford Borough Council Paul Bartlett said: “It’ll be a disaster for Ashford if it does operate in the way they are setting out.

“We’ve got two weeks of unmitigated chaos ahead.

“The biggest problem is the lorry park, because a significant amount of the traffic that comes off at J10 is going to the truckstop for their mandatory break.

“So if you’ve just come out of the Channel Tunnel and you need to stop, you’ll have to come off at Junction 9 and make your way to Ashford via the A20.”

“My guess is if enough of a kerfuffle’s made that this could be changed again.”

Cllr Bartlett’s hunch proved correct, when Secamb successfully had the decision overturned.

■ What do you think? Write to Kentish Express, Unit 4, Park Mall shopping centre, Ashford, TN24 8RY or email kentishexpress@thekmgroup.co.uk

Road bosses say the east facing sliproads at Junction 10a will open on October 31