Kent County Council (KCC) has launched a four-week public consultation on plans to introduce a mini roundabout and improve pedestrian crossing facilities at the junction between St Stephen's Hill, Downs Road and Hackington Close.
The proposed scheme forms part of KCC's wider work to improve bus reliability and reduce journey times through the Kent Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP). The junction has been identified as a location where changes could help buses move more efficiently while improving safety for all road users.
The proposals include:
- Replacing the existing give-way junction with a mini roundabout
- Repositioning an existing pedestrian crossing on Downs Road
- Introducing a new pedestrian crossing on St Stephen's Hill
- Realigning the kerb on the northeast corner of Downs Road
- Relocating the existing traffic calming chicane on Downs Road
The scheme aims to improve road safety, make walking journeys safer and more accessible, support journeys to nearby schools and the city centre, increase junction capacity and improve the reliability of bus services.
“Local knowledge is an important part of the processso I'd encourage anyone who lives, works or travels through the area to... let us know what they think.”
Peter Osborne, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: "We're always looking at ways to improve safety and make it easier for people to get around Kent. These proposals for St Stephen's Hill have been developed to improve road safety, support more reliable bus journeys and make walking routes safer and more accessible.
‘Local knowledge is an important part of the process, so I'd encourage anyone who lives, works or travels through the area to review the proposals and let us know what they think before the consultation closes."
The consultation runs from Monday 5 October to Sunday 1 November.
If approved, construction could take place during February 2027 and would take approximately one to two weeks to complete. The scheme is expected to cost around £150,000 and would be funded through Department for Transport BSIP funding, which is ringfenced for bus infrastructure improvements.
People can find out more about the proposals and complete the consultation questionnaire at www.kent.gov.uk/ststephenshill.
After the consultation closes, feedback will be analysed and a consultation report will be published alongside details of any decisions on the scheme.
