Coolinge Lane Junction Works Safety Fears

Local Lib Dem campaigner Tim Prater has raised serious safety concerns about planned highways changes to the junction between Coolinge Lane and Sandgate Hill.

The works, currently being consulted on by Kent County Council, involve widening the pathway and narrowing the junction between Coolinge Lane and Sandgate Hill, removing safety barriers on Sandgate Hill and expanding a nearby bus stop.

Commenting, Tim said:

"I have raised my concerns about the safety of this junction with KCC on many occasions. This scheme, far from improving the situation, will make matters even worse."

In his response to the consultation Tim said:

"Although I appreciate the additional pavement width to the north of Coolinge Lane on Sandgate Hill, I oppose the build-out to the south of Coolinge Lane and removal of the safety barrier"

Newly elected Lib Dem Sandgate Councillor Vanessa Reay agreed:

"The turning into Coolinge Lane from Sandgate Hill is already challenging at the best of times. Narrowing the entrance could force motorists further onto the wrong side of the carriageway when making the extremely sharp turn into Coolinge Lane. This may well cause a serious accident on what is the main route from Sandgate to Folkestone West Station for commuters."

Lib Dem Campaigner Gary Fuller, whose daughter attends Sandgate Primary, commented:

"Hundreds of school children use the bus stop on Sandgate Hill every day and the existing barrier is all that prevents a major accident from occurring. I welcome the widening of the pathway at the junction, which is packed with children waiting for buses at peak times, but not at the expense of the railings. KCC obviously haven't thought this through properly."