Issue - meetings

Report ES13094

In 2008 the Congestion Working Group identified the junction of Heathfield Road and Westerham Road as a congestion “pinch point”. Report ES13094 highlighted traffic count data for vehicles passing through the junction between 1^st and 7^th July 2013 and also provided accident data for both the junction and wider area, including ‘chicken farm bend’.

A scheme was proposed to assist traffic flow through the junction, particularly vehicles travelling south from Heathfield Road to Westerham Road. It was suggested that a formal three-arm roundabout could have a positive impact by reducing vehicle speeds on the approach to and exit from the junction, and in particular the speed of vehicles travelling south towards ’chicken farm bend’ (between Heathfield Road and Downe Road). Reduced vehicle speeds would also assist pedestrians travelling between the three bus stops at the location, as well as the car park on Heathfield Road. A dedicated tactile crossing was also proposed to further assist pedestrians crossing Heathfield Road.

Councillor Ruth Bennett as a Ward Member for Bromley Common and Keston addressed the Committee. Although the report was headed “Congestion Relief Scheme”, she felt there was a lot in the report about reducing speeds. She presumed that consultation on the scheme would include local residents associations e.g. Keston Village Residents Association. She also advocated a wider consultation in view of the green and wooded nature of the area.

Councillor Bennett indicated that Resident Associations and others in the Keston area were concerned that the proposed scheme would increase traffic, much of which was related to the school in the area. She felt that motorists should be encouraged to remain on the A223 (rather than travel along Heathfield Road to reach the A232). It was necessary to look at the broader area.

Councillor Bennett was not convinced the scheme would assist in reducing traffic speeds other than at the approach to the proposed roundabout. She hoped that concerns would be taken into account when deciding on the scheme; it was necessary to look at the impact on a broader area rather than the junction. It was unlikely the scheme would be supported in a consultation. 

Councillor Carr, as a ward Member, had also emailed the Chairman with concerns for the scheme, including an increase in traffic through Keston village.

The Head of Traffic and Road Safety explained that a roundabout design was the best way for slowing traffic and relieving traffic queues. The junction was listed for congestion relief and the opportunity could be taken to deal with safety issues. Best value was obtained by reducing accidents and congestion at the same time.

Officers had looked at traffic flows and most cars travelling along Heathfield Road from the West Wickham area do not turn right on to Westerham Road towards Biggin Hill. There was already a lot of congestion caused by the junction at Keston Mark and with less traffic through Keston village there would be more traffic on  ...  view the full minutes text for item 16