Residents believe it is a matter of time before someone is run over on their road – as one pensioner even fears to step outside her front door.

Those living in New Street, Margate, say the route has been transformed into a dangerous rat-run by pandemic traffic measures which have seen more vehicles funnelled along the thoroughfare.

Watch: Traffic chaos in New Street, Margate. Video by Remo Minerva

They are urging Thanet District Council to reverse the changes immediately – or risk a pedestrian getting injured.

New Street resident Remo Minerva said: “Cars are hurtling through and it really is an accident waiting to happen.

“It’s become a rat-run because of these pandemic measures. They should be removed.

“It’s dangerous because a lot of traffic has to reverse when they meet a vehicle going the other way.

“One of my elderly neighbours has been nudged twice by cars that were reversing. She’s scared to go out of her door.”

The changes, which were brought in last summer and expected to last up to 18 months, saw through traffic prohibited along sections of The Parade, King Street and Lombard Street in Margate. The one-way systems that had been in force in parts of the routes were also suspended.

Thanet District Council (TDC) had introduced the alterations to “help social distancing and promote economic recovery”.

But Mr Minerva, 50, said: “It seems like we’ve been sacrificed for the sake of other streets.

“It’s causing so much congestion on our already-congested street. Most people are astounded it’s a two-way street anyway.

“We want it to be a one-way street, at least that way there won’t be reversing traffic, road rage, shouting and confusion.”

A TDC spokesman says it is set to start surveying residents and businesses on the existing measures today. The responses, as well as other evidence collected by the council, will help inform its future plans for Margate’s road network.

“TDC is currently in discussions with Kent County Council’s Highways team on the Old Town traffic measures,” the spokesman added.

“Specific consideration has been given to making New Street more pedestrian friendly or even making it one-way temporarily. In addition to feedback from residents and businesses, there is likely to be a traffic survey to monitor vehicle speeds and direction into New Street.

“At this moment in time there are no immediate plans to remove the traffic measures that are in place, although they will be kept under review.”

The spokesman noted that any suggestions for improvements or alterations should be sent to highstreets@thanet.gov.uk.

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