A canine walker whose golden retriever was almost hit by a automobile says one thing must be completed to cease brazen motorists driving down a closed highway.
Avocet Way is a model new highway in Ashford which is at present closed as it’s but to be adopted by Kent Highways.
It was inbuilt 2017 by developer Taylor Wimpey, connecting its Bridgefield housing property with the close by Finberry growth.
Ever since, concrete bollards have stopped visitors accessing the route.
But a resident who lives close by, who has requested to not be named, says drivers have been illegally mounting the pavement to access Avocet Way and minimize by means of.
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He filmed the second a silver Toyota Corolla went up the kerb to bypass the barrier close to Finberry Primary School, almost hitting his seven-year-old canine Joey after which driving off.
“I was out walking about midday – I saw two people literally jump out of the way [of the car] and I’m not joking when I say that,” he defined.
“As this car approached he didn’t have a care in the world and stuck his fingers up.
“We reported it to the police in the hope that would deal with it but we don’t know what happened after that.”
He posted the video on a Facebook group for native residents and others mentioned they’d had related experiences.
“My dog was nearly hit and it’s frustrating because a dog is part of the family,” he mentioned.
“More importantly, there are children who walk down there to and from the school with their parents. They often run around playing.
“If they don’t hear a car, or if drivers decide to do it when it is pitch black, someone will get hurt.”
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He says drivers have been utilizing the route since picket bollards on the pavement have been damaged 18 months in the past.
“The broken barriers have been reported to the developers but nothing has ever been done about it,” he mentioned.
In August, the resident filmed a biker weaving by means of the bollards to access the highway.
He added: “Mopeds and delivery drivers also just drive through because there is nothing stopping them.
“Some get off their bikes and walk them through which I have less of an issue with – but the road is closed. More enforcement is needed.”
While Finberry and Bridgefield neighbour one another, there may be at present no access between the 2 estates for autos, that means drivers must take a prolonged diversion to get to the opposite facet.
Eventually, Avocet Way will open to buses solely, whereas neighbouring Rutledge Avenue, one other highway that has been constructed however is but to open, will open to all different visitors.
ANPR cameras to catch folks flouting the principles will finally be put in when the bus lane is open, however no timeline for when this would possibly occur has been set.
The cameras will likely be similar to those that have recently been installed by means of the bus-only junction in Beaver Road.
The final remaining a part of Rutledge Avenue connecting to Swift Avenue is ready to be constructed by Finberry developer Crest Nicholson as soon as new homes round Bilham Farm are accomplished.
They will then must be adopted by Kent Highways earlier than they are often opened however the authority couldn’t present an update on when this would possibly occur.
Some residents have turn out to be so used to the scenario that they argue the routes should stay permanently closed, fearing they might create an pointless set of rat-runs.
Meanwhile, others say they might be a desperately wanted answer to finish tailbacks heading into Bridgefield.
Kent Police says it has obtained experiences of motorists breaking visitors legal guidelines within the Finberry space of Ashford in August and December 2023.
The native beat officer is conscious of the difficulty and police will at all times look to take motion in opposition to drivers breaking the regulation.
Taylor Wimpey and Crest Nicholson have been approached for remark.
