Latest update – July 2026
Edenbridge Town Council recently met with the Highway Improvements Team at Kent County Council Highways, to discuss potential pedestrian crossing improvements identified within the Town Council’s Highway Improvements Plan (HIP).
Whilst new pedestrian crossings are often requested by residents, the process for delivering one is considerably more complex than simply identifying a location. Kent Highways must follow a structured assessment process to ensure any crossing is both justified and can be installed safely.
Understanding the process
The first stage is a feasibility assessment, which includes traffic counts and pedestrian movement surveys. These surveys establish whether a location meets the required thresholds for further consideration. If the criteria are met, the proposal moves to the next stage, where highway engineers assess whether a crossing can be accommodated safely within the existing road layout.
The engineering assessment considers a range of factors, including traffic speeds and volumes, pedestrian movements, nearby junctions and private accesses, carriageway and footway widths, visibility, the space required for statutory zig-zag markings, the availability of a suitable power supply, and whether the footway provides the minimum 2m width required to accommodate wheelchair users and those with pushchairs.
If a scheme is considered technically feasible and complies with highway design standards, it can then be developed further and considered for funding through the Local Transport Plan programme, alongside other potential funding sources such as the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL). As a guide, a zebra crossing typically costs upwards of £50,000, while a signal-controlled crossing can cost around £100,000, with additional highway works increasing the overall cost where required.
Current position in Edenbridge
Four Elms Road
A suitable location has been identified near Fircroft Way. This is now subject to full engineer assessment, including traffic and pedestrian surveys this month.
Station Road (Lidl end)
A pedestrian movement survey undertaken last year met the threshold for further consideration. However, the original location presented challenges due to the proximity of road junctions and accesses, meaning it could not accommodate a crossing that met current design standards. Following a further site visit, Kent Highways has identified potential for a crossing between Fircroft Way and Commerce Way. A further programme of traffic and pedestrian movement surveys has now been requested.
Mont St Aignan Way (outside Manor Care Home)
Following an initial site assessment Kent Highways has advised that a crossing will not be feasible due to lack of footway outside the care home that needs to be at least 2m in width.
Next steps
The Town Council will continue to work closely with Kent Highways to progress these assessments and explore opportunities to improve pedestrian safety across the town. Further updates will be provided as additional survey and feasibility information becomes available.
Further information
For more information about road safety in Edenbridge, the Highway Improvements Plan, Speedwatch and reporting highways issues, visit Road Safety – Edenbridge Town Council