A series of measures to relieve traffic congestion at key hotspots in Kent are to receive £1 million.

Adding a left-turn on the southern approach to Wateringbury crossroads, between West Malling and Maidstone, is among the five schemes which will be given money from the Local Growth Fund.

The pot of government cash is managed by the South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP), which bids for central government funding to pay for projects which will boost economic growth.

The schemes also include:

• Increasing capacity and improving safety at the junction of Elwick Road and Victoria Road in Ashford
• Improving traffic management and journey times on arterial routes in Tunbridge Wells by linking junction technology to the Highways Management Centre
• Introducing a management system to Thanet and Tunbridge Wells that automatically adjusts the timings of traffic signals at key junctions based on queue lengths
• A review of the Dover Traffic Assessment Project, concentrating on linking the traffic management systems of Highways England and Kent County Council, along with improved signs and road markings.

Geoff Miles, chairman of the SELEP’s accountability board, said: “Keeping congestion to a minimum and traffic moving is key to encouraging investment and regeneration in an area.

“Often smaller interventions such as these in Kent can make a significant difference, which is why SELEP has approved funding for what are seen as important projects.”