IMPROVEMENTS TO ROAD SAFETY
INTRODUCTION
The A259 runs through the length of the village including the High Street and with it come many problems for the people of Dymchurch. At peak summer times there is congestion, caused mainly by tourists, leading to frustration for locals trying to get to and from their homes. The congestion slows the traffic down, but also the steady stream of traffic inhibits pedestrians from crossing the road. This could be a reason why people may decide not to visit Dymchurch, if they have to queue for long periods of time in order to reach available car parks. Sadly there have been numerous accidents and the prevention of further incidents is of importance to the village. Measures need to be put into place which will enable people to cross the road safely, remind motorists that they are travelling through a village where care and consideration should be shown, enabling locals to be able to pull out of the homes and side turnings safely.
TRAFFIC CALMING
To make motorists aware that they are entering a populated area, lines set at decreasing distances should be painted across the road. This gives the illusion that the car is going faster prompting the driver to reduce speed. The High Street and road leading up to the Seawall should be covered in a red top dressing to indicate that is an area used by pedestrians, and the red ‘refuge’ which is in the centre of the road in some parts of the village should be extended to cover the whole village. This has been found to encourage motorists to keep to their lane and allow pedestrians to feel that they can cross to the centre of the road when safe to do so and wait for the second half of the road to become safe to cross.
Aids which encourage traffic to move smoothly are important. Parking on or near to the mini roundabout creates danger to all, in particular to those pulling out of Mill Road. If barriers were placed on the edge of the pavement around the mini roundabout, motorists would be deterred from parking while they ‘pop’ into shops.
SPEED LIMITS
The flashing 30mph sign near Young’s Builders is an effective way of reducing speed. It acts as a reminder to those who are not concentrating on their speed and are driving in excess of 30mph. A similar flashing sign should be installed at the start of the 30mph when coming from the direction of New Romney.
The bends in the road between Burmarsh Corner and Martello 23 have been the scene of many accidents where the present the speed limit is 40mph. If the speed limit of 30mph were to be extended to Martello 23 this would be likely to prevent some accidents in the future.
SAFETY MEASURES
The pelican crossing in the High Street enables pedestrians to cross safely and also gives motorists the opportunity to enter/exit side turnings. There is a need for additional pelican crossings in the village. One is needed near Country’s Field to aid the school crossing assistant and parents. This is particularly important when it is misty and the assistant cannot be seen clearly by motorists. A pelican crossing should also be installed between Martello 25 car park and the site of the new Tesco outlet. This is a difficult place to cross and will also aid those trying to exit Mill Lane by providing breaks in the traffic. In this case, the 30 mph speed limit area, entered from the New Romney direction, would need to be moved back a distance. Residents in other parts of the village have expressed concern about road safety, and the installation of bollards near Burmash Corner, Lower Sands and the Neptune would greatly assist pedestrians in crossing the road.
Footpaths are narrow or non-existent in some parts of the village, and there are few lowered crossing points for mobility carriages, wheelchairs and pushchairs; this needs to be addressed. If the proposed footpath/cycle route were created it would ease traffic congestion considerably at the start and end of the school day.
Project Links:
Proposed Footpath/Cycle Route
Additional Car Parking & Picnic Area at WillopBasin
Additional Car Parking at The Redoubt