‘Like spaceship had landed’ cry locals over giant red road marking bigger than BUS resembling ‘scene of mass carnage’
LOCALS have been left fuming over a bright road marking bigger than a BUS resembles a “scene of mass carnage”.
Angered residents living in Herne Bay, Kent, woke up to a “hideous” fluorescent paintwork next to their homes.
Council chiefs laid down the scarlet red markings at the junction of Selsea Avenue and Sea Street to alert motorists entering a 20mph zone.
Highway bosses picked the controversial red colour to “provide contrast”.
But the straps have left residents in the same street unimpressed – sparking a flood of complaints.
John Sheering, who lives near the junction, witnessed contractors filling his road with flashing bright lights and machinery at 2am.
The next morning, he woke up to the a “shocking” red scene in front of his home.
He told KentOnline: “My dog alerted me – it was like a spaceship had landed.”
The scheme – founded through an Active Travel grant – was launched in a bid to reduce motors for more walking and cycling.
The controversial plans saw a Spanish-style plaza built on Herne Bay seafront – including a one-way system in the nearby roads.
But locals said the bright road markings caught them by surprise as they were never warned.
Rushing to social media in dismay, many vented out their frustration and slammed the “awful” decision.
‘A WASTE OF MONEY’
One said: “These covert missions are completed in darkness to avoid questions.
“Not only do they look awful but they are pointless. I can’t bear what they are doing to our lovely town.”
Another added: “They look horrendous. Planning law is that they should be in keeping with their surroundings, but how on earth is this in keeping?”
A third penned: “This is so ugly. What moron came up with this idea because it looks like a scene of mass carnage?”
The speed restriction was first introduced in 2022 after a public consultation gave the green light to the project.
However, baffled locals said the plans are a “waste of money“.
Fellow neighbour Sue Perry said: “They are lurid, over the top and spoil the area. We had no warning and it’s just a waste of money.”
James Wightman, who runs Herne Bay Motorcycles in The Broadway, has also criticised the 20mph road markings.
He said: “The crazy thing is that they even painted over a pothole – perhaps they should tackle them first.”
Kent County Council said another white “20” markings are set to be added when the weather allows.
A spokesman said: “The markings provide a clear indication to drivers that they are entering the new speed restriction area.
“The colour is considered most appropriate to provide a contrast, therefore highlighting the boundary and encourage self-enforcement.
“The total cost of the entrance boundaries is in the region of £14,000 and was paid for through government funding provided as part of KCC’s Active Travel scheme bid.”
It comes as furious locals in Exeter, Devon, said they feel trapped in their homes after council chiefs clocked roads to prevent accidents.
Residents living in a ‘low traffic neighbourhood‘ said the scheme is also putting lives at risk by forcing emergency services to take longer routes and even forcing ambulance crews to race to emergencies on foot.