Due to the very serious accidents which have taken place at the junction of the #A21 with Sevenoaks Road, myself and Gareth Bacon MP for Orpington met with Transport for London officials to seek improved safety measures and to voice the concerns of local people with regard to: the closing off of the right turn from the A21; not having received notification of the works due to commence this week; and problems with the Emergency Order.
Concerning the restriction of the right turn, TfL made it clear that due to the seriousness of recent accidents this will be implemented, initially temporarily. They will then carry out a follow up consultation and monitor the effect this closure has upon traffic at nearby junctions and turnings. They promised a clear timeline for this consultation in our meeting, and I will share details once I am notified.
Gareth and I raised the issue of speed and TfL agreed to look into a reduction of the speed limit to 40mph, plus the possibility of a speed camera to incentivise compliance. They will also reduce the westbound lane to one lane sooner on the A21 than is currently the case, so that traffic exiting left at the junction will only be faced with one lane of approaching traffic. Separately we discussed the issues of cars racing and I am pleasured the works to the road will include anti-skid surfacing at the roundabout junctions.
Finally, the officials were unable to explain why Sevenoaks District residents had not received notification of the works. I was promised that letters would be distributed urgently, and the Emergency Order would be investigated. I will be holding them to this.
Changes are clearly needed to prevent further loss of life and serious injury. I am grateful to TfL for responding to the concerns that I, local residents and Gareth Bacon have raised. But, I know the temporary removal of the right turn will cause great inconvenience. I will be responding to the consultation to share these views and I encourage all residents to do the same so we can ensure your views are considered.
