Wouldham High Street has seen increased traffic in recent years due to the construction of Peters Bridge and the Peters Village development.
Following concerns raised by the local Wouldham Parish Council, officers worked with representatives to design a scheme which will cut congestion and encourage vehicles to avoid the village centre.
From today [Wednesday 31st May] an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) has been installed meaning the ‘no entry’, ‘one way’ and ‘no right turn’ restrictions will be able to be enforced.
The trial is expected to last for six months but can continue for up to 18 months and can be amended during this period.
“During this trial period we would like to hear from people who are using the route, so we can continue to learn and develop our plans...”
KCC’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, David Brazier said: “By making these restrictions enforceable we hope to reduce the traffic that is making Wouldham High Street so congested.
“During this trial period we would like to hear from people who are using the route, so we can continue to learn and develop our plans and amend them as necessary.
“Your feedback is essential at every stage so we can understand how what we are doing is impacting local residents, businesses and the travelling public.”
Have your say before 30th November 2023 by visiting www.kent.gov.uk/highstreetwouldham.
If you have any questions or require any of the consultation material in hard copy, please email tro@kent.gov.uk or telephone 03000 41 81 81. Please use the reference ‘High Street, Wouldham ETRO’.
For alternative formats and languages, please email alternativeformats@kent.gov.uk or call 03000 42 15 53 (text relay service number: 18001 03000 42 15 53). This number goes to an answering machine, which is monitored during office hours.
ENDS
Note to editors
An Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) may be introduced for up to 18 months and while it is in force any changes are monitored and assessed and further changes made if necessary. Residents, local businesses and other interested parties may submit their support or objection to an ETRO at any time within the consultation period.
Once the consultation period has closed all comments received for support or objection will be reviewed and these will be reported to KCC Head of Service or the Joint Transportation Board for the area depending on the number of objections received for consideration of the next steps.
A decision will be made on whether to make the order permanent or abandon it. Enforcement action may be taken against anyone contravening an ETRO while it is in place.
