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Petition to improve signs on Church Road, Paddock Wood

Residents living along a danger road fear cars smashing into their homes and say the situation is "a death waiting to happen".

A petition has demanded safety improvements are made to Church Road, Paddock Wood, where there have been at least seven crashes in five years, including one on February 1 when a car overturned.

Residents fear poorly installed traffic calming measures and signage has contributed to the accidents.

Vincent Wilson, 74, a retired mechanical engineer, has lived in the road since 1983.

He said: “I’ve had them [vehicles] come through the corner of the fence and onto the grass. I’ve had one run into the tree.

“They’ve put the road markings to slow down and wait but when it rains that floods, so it covers all the signs.”

Another resident, Sue Lovell, 47, said: “I am on tenterhooks most of the time because cars have been speeding past my house since time immemorial.

Vincent Wilson has witnessed a number of incidents on the road over the past 39 years
Vincent Wilson has witnessed a number of incidents on the road over the past 39 years

"Due to the developments going on they’ve put a 30mph limit in which not very many people take any notice of.

Ros Tucker, 56, an NHS digital transfer manager who created the petition, said: “Since the Church Road ‘improvements’ have been made there have been at least five accidents and a number of near misses.

"The pinch point is just past a bend and appallingly sign posted.

"I understand an audit has been carried out by the developers but they are dragging their feet to action any improvements.

"This is a death waiting to happen.”

Sue Lovell is not happy about the speed of the vehicles coming through the road
Sue Lovell is not happy about the speed of the vehicles coming through the road

Kent County Council said it was aware of residents’ concerns about the traffic calming measures.

A spokesman added: “These were installed by a third-party developer as required by planning conditions.

“The developer has been required to organise an independent road safety audit of the works and this has raised several recommendations including reinstating a lighting column and improving signage.

“We’re liaising with the developer to agree the works it needs to carry out at its expense.

Paddock Wood Town Councillor, Sarah Hamilton said: “I am pleased to know this is being resolved as I am aware the situation has caused a lot of concern and I will ask to be updated.

“I am aware officers have worked hard to move this forward and thank residents for their patience while we wait for results.”

Sign the petition click here.

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