Ashford's Flanders roundabout, on A2070, named Roundabout of the Year
12:05, 28 August 2020
updated: 09:49, 01 September 2020
A Kent roundabout which honours First World War soldiers has been awarded a top accolade.
The 'Flanders' roundabout in Ashford has been named 'Roundabout of the Year' by the UK Roundabout Appreciation Society (UKRAS).
Members said they were "touched" by the theme of the traffic island, which features a troop of ‘Tommie's’ grouped around a vintage 1917/18 tank, surrounded by their own personal parade of poppies .
The UKRAS committee voted unanimously for the circular, which connects the A2070 and Romney Marsh Road, to be crowned number one.
In another scoop for the county, Herne Bay's 'beach' roundabout, on Sea Street, finished runner up.
It features flowers, shrubs and various seaside paraphernalia.
And the Orchard Heights roundabout on the A20 in Ashford - which includes three metal horses and riders - came fourth on the list.
Kevin Beresford, president of UKRAS, said of the Flanders roundabout: "I personally feel this splendid unique traffic island with its moving memorial message perfectly sums up what is great about the great British roundabout.
"Well done for achieving the UK's highest one-way-gyratory accolade.
"Congratulations are also in order for the Herne Bay ‘beach’ roundabout which finished runner up.
"All the citizens of Kent should feel very proud."
Both roundabouts will now feature in the society's Best of British Roundabouts 2021 calender.
But it is not only the decorations on the Flanders roundabout however that makes it stand out.
It also features unique-in-Britain safety measures inspired by a Dutch system.
KCC schemes project manager Christopher Koningen said of the so-called ‘turbo roundabout’ system: “The design incorporates red surfacing with white hatching to separate lanes to encourage drivers to not cross those areas.
“It has the added benefit of allowing both lanes on the approach to the roundabout from the A2070 to be used to turn right towards the town centre, increasing capacity.
“This means the signs look very different to anything else you will see in this country with the symbols indicating that drivers can use the left lane to turn right.”
The innovative system is now being considered for nationwide use.
KCC cabinet member for highways and transport, Michael Payne, said: “Once again a forward-thinking member of our Kent Highways team has introduced traffic management benefits that could also potentially be used elsewhere in the country to make a difference.
“The roundabout itself is now visually enjoyable as well thanks to Ashford Borough Council’s input.”
