Folkestone residents are being asked to shape a £170,000 plan to make crossing Shorncliffe Road safer, with a six-week consultation now under way. Kent County Council wants views on proposals for the busy route between Bathurst Road and Earls Avenue, following calls from locals and councillors who say the road’s width and existing traffic islands make it tricky to cross, especially for those with pushchairs or mobility issues.
The heart of the scheme involves repositioning and widening four central islands at the junctions with Ravenlea Road, Marten Road, Grimston Avenue and Earl’s Avenue. Footway buildouts and dropped kerbs would be added to give pedestrians a more level surface and a shorter crossing distance. Two existing islands near Bathurst Road and Godwyn Road would be removed, while new islands are planned for Godwyn Road, Marten Road and Grimston Avenue. New double yellow lines stretching 20 to 22 metres on both sides of these side roads would mean the loss of some on-street parking.
The money is coming from the Department for Transport and, if given the go-ahead, construction would last eight to ten weeks. During that time, road closures, temporary traffic lights or overnight working could be needed. Peter Osborne, KCC’s cabinet member for highways and transport, said the plans aim to make the area safer and easier to get around, particularly for people who find crossing the road a challenge. The eastbound cycle lane would also be extended to link up with facilities on Cheriton Road.
People have until 7 July 2026 to comment, using the online questionnaire on the Letstalk.kent.gov.uk platform, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 03000 41 81 81 and quoting ‘Shorncliffe Road’.
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