MPC Highways Improvement Plan
MARDEN PARISH COUNCIL
HIGHWAYS IMPROVEMENT PLAN (HIP)
Parishes have been asked by Kent Highways to put together a "Highways Improvement Plan" (HIP) which Marden PC has now completed and submitted to Kent Highways. Over the past few months residents have contacted Marden PC with concerns over highways issues along with comments raised at the consultation morning in March 2025 and these have been added to the list along with other problem areas. Unfortunately this submission does not automatically mean that the work will be undertaken but it is hoped that it will be assessed as to whether it meets KCC highways criteria and costed.
This document is reviewed annually and priorities are passed to Kent Highways to review and undertake if funding allows. If you have anything you wish to be considered please let Ali know.
As a result of a recent concern raised by a resident, the issue of speeding in Battle Lane has now been added to the HIP (see updated version below).
Marden Parish Council have been asked by Kent Highways to provide a Priority List of highways issues for Kent Highways to consider each year and, after a review on the priority list for 2025/26 this has now been submitted to Kent Highways (and can be viewed below).
These include:
- Bend at West End (between Marden Memorial Hall and West End Tavern) - Large number of accidents in this area including vehicles hitting walls, fences and lamp columns
- B2079 Beech Bridge / Roughlands - Narrow carriageway between Beech Bridge Cottages to south of junction with Roughlands Lane resulting in kerb / verge damage from vehicle over-running.
- Howland Road bend at Rose and Crown Cottages - A dangerous and blind bend where parking is permitted and there is no proper footway. Constant issue for residents with cars being hit and people driving too fast. Pedestrians have to cross the road on this bend - given the number of cars parked there and the lack of pavement. This is especially dangerous for pedestrians with disabilities, disability scooters and those with prams and pushchairs. Cars are speeding on Howland Road due to lack of traffic calming measures (no speed bumps or warnings about the dangerous bend) which makes this area more dangerous.
- B2079 from the top of Winchett Hill to 50mph speed limit at Marden Beech - Seven accidents recorded on Crashmap over the last five years plus two more recent accidents recorded. Other accidents have occurred although not reported. The road is heavily used by motorists, including HGV's, farm vehicles, cars and cyclists. Pedestrians also use this road as there is no footway. A 60mph speed limit is in place from the parish boundary to Marden Beech. There are a number of blind bends in the road as well as properties exiting onto this road.
- Footways/dropped kerbs for inclusive mobility: various areas - Some footways in the village lack dropped kerbs for those using wheelchairs, pushchairs etc and many others lack tactile paving for the visually impaired.
- Pedestrian Crossing in High Street (by pharmacy) - Highlighted by residents that an additional pedestrian crossing is needed at this end of the village.
Items of the priority list for 2024/25 included and work is currently being done on these by Kent Highways.
- School Parking/Restrictions – the issues of parking outside the school are well documented and a plan is being considered by Kent Highways for intermittent single yellow line restrictions between 8am to 9am and 2pm to 4pm to be implemented. This will go for pre-consultation engagement for a DYL (10m/15m on the bend) and SYL for passing places. The intermittent SYLs would help with lorries being able to pull over and Kent Highways could also assist with a School Travel Plan - Traffic Regulation Order consultation held and Kent Highways are currently producing a design to be submitted to the Parish Council.
- Pattenden Lane Junction – the Parish Council has paid for the design fee for the narrowing of the junction at Church Green and we are awaiting further information from Kent Highways. COMPLETED
- Maidstone Road Village Gateway – Costings are being obtained from Kent Highways for the existing village sign by the planter to be upgraded to a gateway. Awaiting costs and design plan.
- Albion Road DYLs - A pre-consultation was held with residents in the vicinity for DYLs on Albion Road and the vast majority of residents were in support of the proposal for DYLs from Stanley Road to Seymour Drive and from Stanley Road to a point agreed with Kent Highways. Kent Highways have agreed to fund but we are still waiting for Kent Highways to advise. Traffic Regulation Order consultation held and Kent Highways are currently producing a design to be submitted to the Parish Council.
- Underlyn Lane/Maidstone Road HGV Signage – Kent Highways placed the signage in the wrong position when installed and they have now agreed to fund moving the black ‘Pattenden Lane’ sign and the yellow ‘No entrance to Pattenden Lane’ sign COMPLETED
As previously explained, Kent Highways are supportive, but lack of funding means it is doubtful that many of the identified issues will be resolved soon.