Roads will prove a costly debacle

There are three sure things in life: death, taxes and insurance. All three come into play over developers’ proposed alterations to the A2/A28 intersection at Thanington (Gazette August 31 page 11).

The Wincheap Society has posted full reports at winsoc.org.uk on plans for an additional fourth coast-bound A2 off-slip road and for contra-flow alterations to the existing west-bound off-slip road. Both involve left-turn hairpin bends. Large vehicles of a bulk and length not envisaged when the A2 bypass was constructed are likely to cut across these bends. On the contraflow corner they will be in danger of falling on the A2 below. Vehicles accessing Thanington Park by a 90-degree right turn halfway down the contra-flow will cross traffic exiting the A2.

Our taxes will be paying for this sorry mess, and for the civil and criminal penalties arising from its malfunction – probably also for some the resulting increased insurance premiums. There will be claims by drivers, pedestrians, cyclists and their dependents arising from deaths, injuries and diseases caused by traffic accidents and pollution. Their insurers may then seek reimbursement from (among others) any parties responsible for authorising these alterations. Canterbury City Council, Kent County Council and Highways England will be in their sights. Gillian Bull, Scott Avenue, Canterbury