Kentish Express Ashford & District
WWI soldiers installed on roundabout
A roundabout has been completed, having already been shortlisted for a top national accolade.
The circular connecting the A2070 and Romney Marsh Road in Ashford has been rebranded the Flanders Roundabout.
Eight soldiers’ silhouettes - a common sight during the 2018 First World War centenary celebrations - have been dotted around the island, accompanied by a host of poppies.
Also featuring on the unique roundabout is the floral tank once situated in Vicarage Lane.
Kentish Express reporter Charlie Harman was contacted by Kevin Beresford, who showed an interest in an article regarding the roundabout’s imminent installation.
Mr Beresford is the president of the UK Roundabout Appreciation Society and believed Ashford’s latest roundabout could feature in his annual Best of British calendar - also meaning it would be shortlisted for the ‘Roundabout of the Year’ award.
Kent County Council last week revealed the junction has been entered into the running for the hotly contested title.
Not only are the decorations a factor in making it stand out, the Flanders Roundabout also features unique-in-Britain safety measures inspired by a Dutch system.
KCC schemes project manager Christopher Koningen said of the so-called ‘turbo roundabout’ system: “The design incorporates red surfacing with white hatching to separate lanes to encourage drivers to not cross those areas.
“It has the added benefit of allowing both lanes on the approach to the roundabout from the A2070 to be used to turn right towards the town centre, increasing capacity.
“This means the signs look very different to anything else you will see in this country with the symbols indicating that drivers can use the left lane to turn right.”
The innovative system is now being considered for nationwide use.