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Concern over road crossing delays where man died

Simon FinlayLocal Democracy Reporting Service
LDRS Councillor Geoffrey Samme stands beside a grey crossing signal pole at a road junction. A red sign reading “Crossing not in use” is positioned nearby. Green safety barriers, pedestrian crossing markings, railings and roadworks equipment can be seen around the unfinished crossing.LDRS
Councillor Geoffrey Samme said work on the crossing had stalled

A developer has been told to "get a move on" with an upgrade to a crossing where a mobility scooter rider in his 80s died in a crash last year.

Councillor Geoffrey Samme said work on new traffic lights and pedestrian crossings at the roundabout at Royal Engineers' Road and Staceys Street in Maidstone had "ground to a halt".

The existing crossing near Maidstone United's stadium, used by residents, shoppers and football fans, is fenced off with a sign in place, but pedestrians still use it.

Kent County Council (KCC) said it was working closely with a developer and contractor to make sure work was completed as quickly as possible. Developer Redrow said displaced signage was being put back.

Samme told the Local Democracy Reporting Service two crossings nearby had been decommissioned.

"An upgrade designed to improve pedestrian safety has been left unfinished and two of the three crossings in the area have been non-operational for at least eight weeks, thus reducing pedestrian safety on these busy roads," he said.

The elderly man who died was in a collision with a VW Passat last November.

LDRS Hilary Kane stands beside a road junction wearing dark sunglasses, a blue cardigan and a green top. Traffic lights, green safety barriers, trees and vehicles on the road are visible behind her near the crossing works.LDRS
Hilary Kane said some drivers stopped to let people cross but others did not

Shepway resident Elvis Trice, 45, said: "You're taking your life in your hands crossing here."

Father-of-one Ethan Hunt, 22, who lives next to the football ground, said: "It was meant to be two or three months."

Hilary Kane, from Maidstone, said she had tried to dodge the traffic and a driver stopped to let her cross, but added: "Not everybody does."

LDRS Ethan Hunt wearing a dark jacket and a dark baseball cap stands beside a road crossing near a roundabout. Traffic signs, streetlights, cars, trees and a cloudy sky are visible in the background.LDRS
Resident Ethan Hunt said the crossing upgrade had taken longer than expected

A Redrow statement said: "Some signage has been displaced by recent bad weather, and our contractor is working to put this right as quickly as possible.

"We apologise to residents for any inconvenience caused and thank them for their patience while these improvements are completed."

A KCC statement said the crossing upgrades were part of requirements linked to a nearby development.

The council said: "While the work is taking place, the crossings are temporarily out of use and we are advising pedestrians to use the signal-controlled crossing on Fairmeadow instead."

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