Home   Medway   News   Article

D-Day 75 flypast causing traffic chaos in Kent

Traffic mounted along the planned route of a D-day flypast over Kent, clogging up a key motorway junction as hundreds of people descend on a picnic area to watch.

Around 300 people headed to the Blue Bell Hill viewing site, off Common Road, to watch 34 wartime Dakotas fly over.

However they faced a long wait after take off was delayed by two hours, meaning the aircraft passed over Medway just before 5pm.

Crowds gather at Blue Bell Hill viewing site
Crowds gather at Blue Bell Hill viewing site
Traffic coming off Blue Bell Hill
Traffic coming off Blue Bell Hill

Queues built up as spectators tried to get into Blue Bell Hill village, with the M2 roundabout heavily congested as a result.

Cars were also backing up as they travelled up the hill towards Chatham and attempted to access the village for a chance to watch the historic sight.

One witness said while there was usually about three cars in the picnic site's car park there is now about 50, with vehicles double and triple parked.

Cars at Blue Bell Hill picnic site
Cars at Blue Bell Hill picnic site
Traffic mounting ahead of the flypast
Traffic mounting ahead of the flypast
Crowds in Hoo. Picture: Kev Ford
Crowds in Hoo. Picture: Kev Ford

Meanwhile in Hoo one resident quipped the 75th anniversary celebration parking situation could well trigger World War Three.

Crowds also flocked to Mote Park and White Horse Wood, off Detling Hill, to get a glimpse.

Spectators at White Horse Wood. Picture: Pauline Field
Spectators at White Horse Wood. Picture: Pauline Field
Spectators at White Horse Wood. Picture: Pauline Field
Spectators at White Horse Wood. Picture: Pauline Field

The aircraft left Duxford Aerodrome at 4.10pm today and their zig-zag route took them over Colchester, Southend, Chatham, Maidstone and Eastbourne before they crossed the Channel to fly to Le Havre and Caen Carpiquet.

Despite the problems on the roads, hundreds of people still managed to see the planes fly over.

Read more: All the latest news from Medway

Close This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Learn More