Residents in Ramsgate’s Dumpton Park Drive are calling for further safety measures for pedestrians trying to cross the wide road and motorists who have limited sightlines at some of the junctions.
A campaign was initially started last year following the death of a woman cyclist in a collision at the junction with Montefiore Avenue.
Kent Highways has since installed yellow lines on junction corners, including at Montefiore, but residents say the road is not safe with many motorists exceeding speed limits and instances of inconsiderate parking making pedestrians crossing, or cars pulling out at junctions, difficult.
Those involved in the Make Our Road Safe! Dumpton Park Drive Safer Roads Action Group say there have been at least seven collisions during 2021/22 as well as several near misses.
At a meeting of residents this month suggestions included extending the yellow lines, installing traffic islands, introducing a 20mph zone or even creating a mini-roundabout.
Town councillor Pat Makison, who is a member of the Dumpton Park Drive campaign group, said: “We want traffic to move more slowly and there are different ways of doing that – speed controls, a mini roundabout, 20mph limit, ANPR camera, island refuge or pedestrian crossing. The school also has issues and many schools have a 20mph limit outside them so why haven’t we?.”
One resident said a roundabout for the Montefiore junction could be the cheapest option while another suggested extending the yellow lines outside Harebrook, adding: “Turning right from there, you take your life in your hands, it’s inherently dangerous.”
Campaign group chairman Bob Barrass said an extension of the yellow lines at the junctions would improve sightlines by preventing the issue of parked cars.
He added: “We are trying to make as much progress as we can with limited resources but we are in it for the long haul. We need more volunteers, people who can commit some time and effort.
“We want to get something done, we do not want more people killed or injured.”
The issues in the road have been included in a Highway Improvement Plan created by Ramsgate Town Council to be forwarded to Kent County Council.
A Kent County Council (KCC) spokesperson said: “We are aware of concerns raised about the safety of Dumpton Park Drive, Ramsgate.
“Our team has visited the site and spoken to local representatives to discuss any changes that could be made.
“Following agreement with Ramsgate Town Council, waiting restrictions have been installed and we continue to work with the town council to explore further options through its Highway Improvement Plan.”
