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Faversham: Calls for action after woman hit by van on crossing

There are calls for action to improve safety at a notorious crossing after a woman was hit by a van.

The woman, 28, was taken to hospital after the crash at the Whitstable Road crossing – the same spot where John Hobson was struck and killed in 2012.

The father-of-two’s widower Jody had made a plea for a pelican crossing but Kent County Council (KCC) only went as far as installing LED lights and clearer markings.

The Whitstable Road crossing.
The Whitstable Road crossing.

Police and paramedics were called to the scene at around 8pm on Sunday when the woman was taken to the William Harvey Hospital with leg and foot injuries.

The incident has prompted calls for action from Whitstable Road resident Martin Young who has tirelessly campaigned for better safety measures at the crossing since the death of Mr Hobson.

Mr Young said this week: “My issue is that the work done after the death of Mr Hobson a few years ago did not go far enough, hence another accident.

Martin Young at the dangerous zebra crossing on Whitstable Road, Faversham.
Martin Young at the dangerous zebra crossing on Whitstable Road, Faversham.

“I don’t know the circumstances of this recent accident, but nothing has been done to slow traffic down.

“Traffic and cars have changed since the highway rules were laid down and to say that this road does not qualify for calming measures, eg illuminated speed limit signs, as was suggested by a councillor after the last accident, is short-sighted and a way of saving money.

“Profit before people as usual.”

John Hobson, who was killed on the crossing in 2012.
John Hobson, who was killed on the crossing in 2012.

Back in 2014, Kent County Council installed new lights and clearer markings after a request from Faversham Town Council and campaigners, but many people say that it is not enough.

In a recent survey carried out by the 20’s Plenty group which is campaigning for a 20mph speed limit in the town centre, Whitstable Road was highlighted as one of the worst roads for pedestrians.

Cllr Peter Flower (Con) said: “I would like to see a raised road surface at the site of the crossing.

“This would have the double effect of slowing the traffic on the Whitstable Road generally by introducing a significant speed hump, as well as making the crossing more obvious to drivers.

Cllr Peter Flower.
Cllr Peter Flower.

“The problems with lights is that people – pedestrians and drivers – always try to take a chance with those last few seconds before they change.

“A speed hump would be cheaper to install than lights, and would have a wider impact on safety by slowing traffic generally.

“As a driver, I have had to jam on the brakes on at least one occasion when a pedestrian has unexpectedly stepped out onto the crossing.

“Drivers tend not to see a crossing that is on a straight piece of road which has several other hazards until it’s too late.”

Cllr Anita Walker.
Cllr Anita Walker.

Cllr Anita Walker (Con) says it is very difficult to see anyone standing at the crossing after dusk and she believes that pedestrians should not step out until traffic has come to a halt.

She added: “Pedestrians should be made more aware of their own responsibility for their own safety.

“Any accident causing injury is dreadful and any death is a tragedy, but even though I am now a non-driver I sometimes feel sorry for drivers as even an emergency stop is not always in time when someone steps out in front of them.”

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