A costly £3 million revamp of Folkestone’s Radnor Park roundabout has sparked immediate safety fears, with its new cycle lanes facing strong local resistance just weeks after completion. This large investment, intended to boost sustainable travel, has instead generated widespread concern among local residents and drivers who warn that the redesigned layout increases the risk of accidents.
The work was overseen by Kent County Council (KCC). This infrastructure upgrade is a crucial element of the broader “Folkestone – A Brighter Future” scheme, which is backed by government Levelling Up funds. The project’s goal was to improve links for walkers and cyclists moving between the town centre and the central railway station. Since the roundabout reopened, however, the structure has become the central focus of local debate.
Conflict Rages Over Cycle Lane Design
The most intense safety fears involve how the segregated cycle paths merge with traffic. This junction, which is one of Folkestone’s busiest, now operates under a new system.
Drivers have consistently argued that the new filter points and road markings confuse the rules of priority. This issue is particularly challenging when vehicles try to turn across the dedicated cycle routes.
According to critics, this confusion increases the chance of human error. It then directly contributes to a higher risk of collisions. They claim the overall design actually works against the project’s main goal of improving cycle safety.
Near Misses Spark Community Outcry
Reports of “near misses” have quickly surfaced across local community groups and social media. This shows that public concern is both serious and immediate.
Handling a heavy volume of traffic every day, the junction’s new layout must be unambiguous. Due to the high traffic flow, even minor uncertainties can swiftly escalate into major safety problems. Pedestrians have also reported difficulties, often expressing confusion about the designated crossing points.
The dispute in Folkestone reflects a common national trend. Introducing active travel infrastructure often causes immediate public resistance when it significantly alters established road patterns.
Council Defends the Design Process
Kent County Council, the area’s highways authority, continues to stand firmly behind the scheme. KCC officials maintain that professional safety audits were successfully carried out at every stage of design and construction.
A spokesperson for the council confirmed that teams are currently monitoring the junction closely. They pointed out that the layout includes controlled crossings for both pedestrians and cyclists. These features were specifically added to manage movement safely at key points.
Crucially, the council highlighted its extensive public consultation. They listened to the feedback and confirmed they made several alterations to the final design in response to local concerns before any construction began.
Understanding the Investment
The money spent at Radnor Park is a key part of modernising Folkestone’s transport system. The roundabout links Cheriton Road, Station Approach, and Radnor Park Road.
The upgrade was planned to act as a vital node in a wider network. This network is designed to promote cycling and walking. The overall aim is to reduce reliance on cars in the town centre while creating a more pleasant environment.
The new cycle path runs along a section of Cheriton Road. It was built to offer cyclists a protected route, keeping them separated from both pedestrians on the pavement and general road traffic.
KCC Awaits Data for Final Decision
KCC acknowledges that users need time to adjust to any new road design. Therefore, the authority plans to allow a “settling-in period” to pass. During this essential time, officers will collect formal data on traffic patterns and any actual incidents.
Ultimately, this evidence will decide if the council needs to make any more costly changes. KCC has committed to basing future decisions on verifiable safety evidence, rather than solely on public concern. The pressure is mounting on KCC to prove that this multi-million-pound investment is safe to use and successfully meets its core transport goals.
