Kentish Express Ashford & District
Police cordon off town centre after pedestrian struck
Part of Ashford town centre was taped off after a pedestrian was hit by a car outside a homeware store, resulting in renewed calls for traffic controls.
Police cordoned off part of New Rents just before midday on Saturday following the incident involving a grey Toyota.
The car, which had a damaged front bumper and bonnet, was in the middle of the street outside the HomePlus shop and Ashford Sewing Centre.
The air ambulance landed close to the Lidl supermarket and at least three police cars and two ambulances were seen in New Rents.
The driver of the car had a minor injury and was discharged at the scene, but the female pedestrian suffered a leg injury and was taken to the William Harvey Hospital by road.
The incident happened in an area of town that gives priority to pedestrians and prompted a number of calls for the controls on traffic to be tightened.
Some traders in the area were among those to demand action to improve safety, with sugges
tions including controlled bollards.
Following the incident, Ashford Borough Council Victoria ward representative Cllr Dara Farrell (Lab) said: “This is the first incident I’m aware of in this spot, but I’ve asked for any data on it because if we can see a recurring issue there then the council won’t take as long to act.
“I don’t think the council would be able to man bollards as it’s not as well-used compared to Bank Street, where the bollards are currently.
“One issue that will be growing are electric cars, because in shared spaces they might not make enough noise to alert pedestrians.
“We could always improve signage - I don’t think there’s anything up there to explicitly say ‘look out for pedestrians’ - but of course you can’t put up too many or people will ignore them or be overwhelmed.
“Whether we implement any of these measures would be down to whether they would’ve made a difference.
“If a barrier had been there, would it have stopped the person being injured?
“Regardless, I’m sure the rules along New Rents will all change once the hotel goes up there.”
Plans to demolish six of the shops in New Rents and build a 92-bed hotel, bar and restaurant were unveiled in July, but planning permission is yet to be gained.
Game, PDSA, Betfred, British Heart Foundation and HomePlus, which is in the former Argos unit, are earmarked for demolition, as well as the former Pet Essentials store.