Drivers slam decision to shut M20 slips

Motorists demand rethink as closure sparks traffic misery

Bemused drivers have labelled the decision to shut two M20 slip roads as a “nightmare”.

Highways England permanently closed the former coastbound on-slip and London-bound off-slip at Junction 10 two weeks’ ago.

The move came following the much-anticipated opening of the new £104m Junction 10a - which has been built just 700 metres south east of the original junction.

Motorists, who have been learning the ropes of the new road layout, now have to use Junction 10a if they want to get onto the coastbound M20.

Likewise, those exiting the London-bound motorway are taken off at Junction 10a.

Numerous drivers have expressed their frustration about the new road layout on the Kentish Express Facebook page.

Gemma Roberts said: “Even though it was for a short amount of time, traffic flowed much better when both junctions were open at the same time.

“Last week at morning rush hour it was a nightmare to get around Junction 10 and past the Junction 10a new roundabout to get to Ashford market.”

One resident said the road scheme has prompted his decision to move from Park Farm to Kennington.

Steve Oliver-Ham said: “It will only get worse once the Chilmington Green, Kingsnorth, Finberry, Conningbrook Lake and Large Burton estates are finished.

“It’s the very reason I’m moving from Park Farm to Kennington - Junction 9 is better to navigate at most times of the day and it’s getting harder to get into and out of town to South Ashford due to the Designer Outlet traffic.”

Samuel Holmes added: “It has just cost millions to move the traffic problems from Junction 10 to Junction 10a.

“It was an absolute mess when I had to go up to the William Harvey Hospital the other day and I can’t see it improving much when the traffic lights are working so good luck everyone who has to use it.”

But not everyone had negative opinions, as Emma Finnis said: “Maybe we should wait for it to be completed before judging it?

“There are still lanes closed. When it is completely finished it will probably work well.”

A Highways England spokesman explained why the old slip roads had to shut for good.

“We cannot complete the end section of the slip roads on Junction 10a without closing the coast-facing slips on Junction 10 as they overlap at different design levels,” he said.

“It’s also safer to close these for the travelling public and workforce now.

“Creating a new M20 junction for Ashford will tackle congestion and bring huge benefits for the town.”

■ What are your experiences of Junction 10a? Email a letter to kentishexpress@thekmgroup.co.uk

‘It has just cost millions to move the traffic problems from Junction 10 to Junction 10a...’

Pictures: Andy Jones The coast-facing slips at Junction 10 will now be landscaped after highways bosses shut them for good

The slip roads at Junction 10 closed two weeks’ ago