Shoppers stuck in traffic for over an hour

Shoppers and residents were once again left stuck in a car park for over an hour because of gridlock at the Ashford Retail Park in Sevington.

Queues of cars trying to leave the stores in Barrey Road have grown following the arrival of new stores such as B&M Bargains, Tapi, Dreams and Hobbycraft which opened in March.

It adds to stores on the other half of the site which includes stores like Dunelm Mill, TK Maxx and Argos, and will see the arrival of Smyths Toy Superstore in the coming months.

The popularity of the stores has led to a “nightmare” for people trying to get in and out of the junction into the A2070 dual carriageway.

In March businesses in Foster Road backed a petition calling for traffic lights to be installed to ease the problems, it has so far gained 500 signatures.

Retainagroup boss Wendy Rowe said the junction has become “terrifying” for staff members turning into a dual carriageway where approaching vehicles could be travelling at 70mph.

Her calls for traffic lights have been backed by High- field ward Cllr Gerald White who says a solution needs to be found.

He said: “This was brought to my attention this weekend, obviously it is a problem at the moment because of the new stores opening and people going to see them.

“It may have to have traffic lights, certainly some form of traffic control is needed. It’s very dangerous and people going up there and turning out are putting their life in their own hands.

“I’m no expert on what should be done, all we can do is keep saying that these are the problems and ask Highways England what can they do about them.”

Mr White said residents should consider sending an email of photos of the traffic build up and the situation at the junction to the contractor Balfour Beatty Mott MacDonald.

A spokesman for Highways England said traffic lights had previously been ruled out because of fears it could lead

‘It may have to have lights … certainly some form of traffic control is needed’

to more crashes on the A2070, but said a new 40mph limit on the A2070 is being considered as part of changes to be delivered with the new junction 10a.

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

Picture: Gary Browne FM4237947 The packed car park at the Sevington retail park and, below, the Barrey Road junction on the A2070 has been labelled as dangerous

Cllr Gerald White: ‘It may have to have some traffic lights’

Wendy Rowe from Retainagroup, says the junction has become terrifying for staff