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The number of permits issued to temporarily shut roads in Kent has hit a record high, as motorists feel the frustration of multiple road closures.
Kent County Council (KCC) said in 2020-21 there were 6,604 closures for utilities, and this jumped to 10,296 in 2023-24. It said works also rose from 3,477 to 5,992 in the same period.
Many roads have ensured multiple closures, with Chapel Lane in Sissinghurst being closed at least 14 times in the previous 18 months. The A225 through Hawley has also had closure after closure going on for months. Teston Road through Offham recently had three sets of temporary traffic lights within 1.5 miles. Motorists have also found that pot holes, that had been dealt with, have opened up once again after the patchwork fill has not withsttod the winter.
Sean Holden, who is on the highways and transport committee at KCC, said a lot of closures are unnecessary and companies should face higher fines to be held accountable.
He said: “The state of Kent’s roads is bad. One of the things we have to remember is 11,000 lorries a day come into Kent. I don’t pretend for one minute that this problem is going to go away, and I’m sad to say it’s going to be with us for years.”
The council said it does not have the power to stop utility companies carrying out planned or emergency works.
However, it can fine companies if they overrun or close roads when they do not need to – with £410,000 being paid in overrun charges between 2023 and 2024.
Utilities representative body Street Works UK said companies were working across Kent to install better infrastructure.
“As a sector we will continue to work to the highest standards, reducing disruption, ensuring high quality reinstatements and lasting results,” they added.
KCC said this was a national issue and the government’s transport select committee was investigating ways to help limit damage and disruption to roads carried out by utility companies.
The council added that it used its “limited powers” to ensure companies were adhering to the conditions of their permits.
However, a Department for Transport spokesperson said highway authorities had a “range of powers” to manage and co-ordinate road works and to drive up performance.
They said “The transport secretary has recently announced increases in penalties for utility companies and the extension of overrun charges.”
The post Temporary Closed Roads In Kent Hits Record High appeared first on KentNews.Online.
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