Calls for traffic lights at crash-prone bridge
There have been renewed calls to install traffic lights on a crash-prone humped-back bridge
County councillors say that the single lane crossing in Hawkenbury between Headcorn and Staplehurst, has become an accident black spot with fears growing of fatalities.
They claim Kent County Council (KCC) measures under consideration, such as warning signs, will not “cut it”.
Restore Britain county councillor Brian Black said he wants a full list of recent crashes to strengthen arguments for traffic lights to be installed on either side of the bridge.
A huge chunk of the wall has been reduced to rubble in an adjoining field after a recent smash.
He said: “It is incredibly frustrating because it is constantly happening. We need a long-term strategy to stop this happening over and over again.
“Fortunately, no one has lost their life but I think there is every chance of that happening.
“We need to put in traffic lights but we’ve essentially been told that is not an option.”
In a reference to the Only Fools and Horses BBC comedy series, he added: “The joke is that it is like Trigger’s broom – it is constantly being repaired. I’m told KCC has only £10,000 in the budget but that’s not the issue. I’m speaking up for the residents, not KCC Highways.”
The landlord of the Hawkenbury pub, Jonathan Woodbridge, says the problems arise not from the poor sight lines on either side of the bridge but motorists speeding, particularly from the Headcorn end.
Each time the bridge for repairs following a crash, his takings drop by up to 15%.
If a closure lasts longer than a few days, his income can plummet by 70% with no passing trade, he claimed.
Mr Woodbridge, who has run the pub for more than 13 years,said: “I think it’s fair to say that I’m pretty fed up. I think there is another closure planned quite soon for a significant period of time and that will hit us too.
“I have suggested rumble strips or some kind of built out island to cut the speed. Putting up signs isn’t going to do anything, it’s an absolute waste of time. Speed is the main problem that has to be addressed.”
Mr Woodbridge concedes that the issue with traffic lights is the electricity supply and the estimated £100,000 cost.
He added that house building in the Maidstone borough is also going to increase the traffic using the road in future.
The bridge, which is around 700 years old, is a grade two listed structure.
Conservative county councillor for nearby Cranbrook, Claudine Russell said: “Putting up signs for motorists to ignore is simply a pointless waste of time and money – they’re just not going to cut it. It has become an accident black spot and has been a massive problem for a very long time.
“There is a growing feeling that the only to solve the problem is by having lights there.”
A KCC spokesperson said:
“Hawkenbury Bridge sits between Headcorn and Staplehurst parishes. Both have recently highlighted the bridge as a priority in their Highway Improvement Plans (HIP), and this site has been looked at historically.
“We have explored a number of options including traffic signals, but due to physical constraints, many options are not feasible.
“Since May 2026, a Hawkenbury Bridge cross party working group has been created which is made up of officials from Headcorn and Staplehurst Parish Councils, alongside KCC Members and highways officers.
“The main aim is to ensure a consistent message from all parties and to review available data. The working group has met twice since May and is still in the evidence gathering stage.
“In response to concerns about highway safety at the bridge, KCC officers have presented a signing and lining scheme to the parish councils. This is ready to be installed once they have provided their feedback.
“The proposals include refreshed road markings, new road‑narrowing warning signs, some realignment of existing signs, the introduction of reflective bands and bollards on approach to the bridge, and vegetation clearance to improve visibility.
“While the scheme is not driven by statutory requirements or collision data, it aims to address concerns in a proportionate way while maintaining two‑way traffic across the bridge.