I want to address what’s happening in Snodland right now: the closure of the A228 Snodland Bypass (between Ham Hill and Brook Street) has caused serious traffic disruption, gridlock, and even risk to public safety. The knock-on effects are being felt every day by residents, businesses, and emergency services.
As your local councillor, I feel a duty to speak out and push for effective action. Here’s my take on the situation, and what we must do next.
What’s Going On
Because of an emergency gas leak, the A228 Snodland Bypass has been closed since 5 October. That closure has forced a huge volume of traffic onto Malling Road, which simply cannot cope with it. The result: long delays, congestion from early morning to late at night, blocked access, and dangerous behaviour (some drivers mounting pavements to squeeze through).
Worryingly, there have already been reports of ambulances being stuck and emergency services delayed. That is entirely unacceptable. In life-or-death situations, seconds count.
Residents have also observed that buses are suspended, many people feel isolated, and small businesses are losing trade as people avoid the area.
What I’ve Been Doing
From day one, I’ve been raising alarms and pressing for intervention:
- I joined with other councillors in writing to Cllr Dodger Sian (KCC) requesting immediate support to manage traffic in Snodland.
- I made it clear: public safety is the priority. Fire engines, ambulances, buses, none of them should be obstructed by traffic. I said:
“The first and most important thing is that everyone remains safe. We’ve had fire engines getting stuck, and bus services have been suspended … that means isolation for many in our older generation here in Snodland.” - I also spoke about the risk to pedestrians, especially children on school runs, when motorists mount pavements to pass.
- I’ve pushed for traffic marshals or gate marshals to be deployed at either end of Malling Road, directing vehicles (especially HGVs) along the official diversion routes and keeping local streets safer.
What Must Happen Now
Approval of the closure for necessary repair does not absolve us of responsibility. We need urgent and practical mitigation while the bypass remains shut. Here’s what I believe needs to be done immediately:
- Deploy Traffic Marshals
Skilled personnel stationed at key entry/exit points to manage flow, prevent dangerously narrow squeezes, and deter drivers mounting pavements. - Enforce Diversion Routes
Heavy vehicles should be strictly kept to designated diversion routes. No HGVs on narrow residential roads, no short-cutting through local streets. - Ensure Emergency Access
Clear corridors must be kept for ambulances, fire engines, police, and other emergency services at all times. - Protect Pedestrians and Vulnerable Road Users
Pavement safety must be assured. If walks are blocked or compromised, we need temporary protective barriers, signage, or alternate safe routes. - Frequent Monitoring & Feedback
We should hold daily or twice-daily checks, review congestion hotspots, take reports from residents, and adapt as needed. - Support Local Businesses and Residents
Communication is key. People need timely updates on closures, diversions, and when the bypass might reopen.
A Personal Note
I understand that many residents are worried, frustrated, or feel neglected right now. That’s completely valid. As your councillor, I don’t see roads or gas leaks in abstract, I see people’s lives being disrupted. I see parents trying to get children to school safely, local business owners losing customers, and older residents cut off from essential services.
I am committed to doing everything in my power to reduce the harm while this closure persists. I will be pushing at county and highway authority level for swift resolution, but also for short term measures that keep people safe in the meantime.
If you live in the affected area, please reach out and tell me your concerns. Share specific times, locations, or incidents you’ve seen. I will bring that feedback directly to KCC, to highways officers, and to emergency planners. Together, we’ll hold them to account.
Stay safe, and I will keep you updated.
