From: Bullion, Alan
Sent: 03 May 2018 13:01
To: newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk
Subject: Traffic lights at the junctions of Blackhurst Lane and Halls Hole Road

Dear Sir,

During the local election campaign on Sherwood, I was contacted by several concerned residents of Sandown Park and surrounding areas about the traffic lights sited at the junctions of Blackhurst Lane and Halls Hole Road.

While the lights are far better than the former uncontrolled junction there is a problem with the phasing. These lights can be controlled remotely from Maidstone, so a simple change to the phasing, delaying the Halls Hole Road green light by 10-15 seconds, could be introduced quickly and easily, and we would soon see if it was effective. Also, a camera at the junction, well-advertised, would both act as a deterrent and generate revenue. When the lights were first installed, signs were placed both sides of the junction saying ‘Give way to oncoming traffic’, but they were removed after only a few weeks.

Some local residents have also suggested a roundabout as an alternative, or one-way traffic along Halls Hole Road and Cornford Lane into Pembury. I’m aware that this issue has come up frequently over recent years as the traffic jams increase between Pembury and the Town Centre, particularly at peak hours. A newly proposed ‘retirement village’ would have further compounded the problem. A safer solution does need to be urgently found, for as one local resident said – it’s an accident waiting to happen.

Yours,

Dr Alan Bullion