Station area improvements

Plans have been revealed by Ashford Borough Council to improve access and reduce congestion around Ashford station and the new Commercial Quarter.

Because of recent developments in that area, including the upcoming opening of Ashford College and the new office block in the Commercial Quarter, the authority expects a significant increase in motorists and pedestrians.

One of the major proposals was moving the taxi waiting area from outside International House to the Stour Centre.

The new waiting area could accommodate 17 taxis and the vehicles would then be called up to the station rank via CCTV or a call system. This would not affect the taxi rank directly outside the station.

The former layby would be turned into a footpath.

Other ideas include a zebra crossing, a linked footpath and footbridge over the river, and more signs in the station forecourt to separate domestic vehicles from buses and taxis.