The North London council is looking to introduce the new speed restriction and junction improvements in Kenton to improve safety
A 20mph zone and junction improvements could be imposed in an area of Kenton following a string of accidents over the past few years.
The road safety measures aim to reduce the number of collisions that occur following five serious accidents over the past three years. Brent Council has tabled plans to install a 20mph zone on part of Woodcock Hill, between Kenton Road and Donnington Road, which has been identified as a “medium-priority” for collisions.
The “high priority” junction at the intersection of Kenton Road, Woodcock Hill and Kenton Lane could also see a number of improvements to make it safer for drivers and pedestrians.
Between November 2021 and August 2024, there were 20 crashes that resulted in injuries at the two locations in Kenton, including five serious and 15 slight accidents, the latest accident data reveals. The incidents involved 38 vehicles, one bicycle and 21 casualties – of whom five were pedestrians.
In 2023, more than 650 parents at St. Gregory’s Catholic Science College, alongside Kenton residents in general, signed a petition calling for pelican crossings to be installed at all four sections of the “intimidating” junction in order to make it safer for children.
Each year, Brent Council identifies junctions and streets across the borough with the highest number of personal injury accidents, with the goal of introducing safety measures to cut incidents.
A public consultation has recently come to an end (July 10), which asked residents for their views on the proposed changes. The results will be used to decide on whether to implement the proposals in the area, which will be publicised in due course.
The proposed changes include a new 20mph speed limit on part of Woodcock Hill between Kenton Road and Donnington designed to help reduce vehicle speed and the severity of accidents, as well as a raised speed table and new speed cushions on part of Woodcock Hill. Road markings and signs will be installed to remind drivers of the new speed limit.
Two new pedestrian crossings are planned at the Kenton Road and Woodcock Hill junction – one across Woodcock Hill and one west of the junction on Kenton Road. To enable these to be installed, a right turn restriction and relocation of the bus stop are proposed, with the council hoping the measures will improve “pedestrian priority and accessibility”.
A new peak hour bus lane westbound on Kenton Road is also part of the scheme, with the aim of improving “bus reliability and encourage greater use of public transport”.
The council said: “Due to the high number of accidents in the past three-years, we are proposing changes that aim to improve road safety by improving crossing facilities for pedestrians and reducing vehicle speeds.
“Currently, only one arm of the junction has signalised pedestrian crossings, and the proposed design explores options to provide safe crossings where possible whilst also minimising delays to traffic, particularly buses.”
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