Thanet Loop Improvement Project - QEQM Hospital Junction

Update September 2024

Thank you to everyone who took part in this consultation. The Consultation Report is now available from the 'Documents' section on this page. The report, which includes KCC's response to key themes, will be presented to Thanet's Joint Transportation Board (JTB) on 12 September.

Details of the decision will be published on this webpage.

Kent County Council (KCC) is proposing to introduce highway improvements to the Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother (QEQM) Hospital junction on the A254 Ramsgate Road in Margate. This scheme aims to help improve bus journey times and reliability for the Thanet Loop Bus Service.

The proposed scheme for the QEQM Hospital junction and surrounding areas would see the following changes:

  • moving the 'Lesters' northbound bus stop 12 metres further north on Ramsgate Road (closer to Nash Court Road) to make it easier for buses to pull in and out of the bus stop
  • installing a new bus and taxi lane on Ramsgate Road on the southbound approach to the junction (near Lesters Pub and Restaurant)
  • removing the uncontrolled crossing outside Lesters Pub and Restaurant to accommodate the new bus and taxi lane
  • creating a replacement signal-controlled pedestrian crossing facility on the northern arm of the QEQM Hospital junction
  • creating a new footpath link to help improve access for pedestrians
  • creating a new left turn filter phase at the QEQM Hospital signalised junction
  • extending the right turning lane on the northbound approach to the traffic signals.

The scheme is part of the Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP).

Traffic Regulation Orders (TRO)

There are two TROs as part of this scheme. The effects of the proposed Orders will be to:

  • extend or amend existing waiting restrictions (double yellow lines) on Ramsgate Road.
  • introduce a new bus and taxi lane starting outside Lesters Pub and Restaurant on Ramsgate Road.

The orders are being made for the following reasons:

  • for avoiding danger to persons or other traffic using the road or any other road for preventing the likelihood of any such danger arising.
  • for preserving or improving the amenities of the area through which the road runs.
  • for facilitating the passage on the road or any other road of any class of traffic (including pedestrians)
  • for preventing damage to the road or to any building on or near the road.

Full details can be found in the Public Notice and Statement of Reason documents.

Have your say

We recommend you read all of the available information before providing feedback using the response form below.

Any person wishing to object or support the TROs before they are made permanent can also do so via the response form.

What happens next?

Following the consultation, a report will be compiled summarising the analysis of the responses. This report will be made available from this webpage.

The feedback will be used to help finalise the scheme design and reported to the Cabinet Member of Highways and Transport for them to decide if the scheme should proceed or not. The report will also be provided to members of the Thanet Joint Transportation Board (JTB).

If the decision is taken to proceed, then the Traffic Regulation Orders will be advertised as ‘Made Orders’. These will be publicised via a notice in the local newspaper and on this webpage.

Update September 2024

Thank you to everyone who took part in this consultation. The Consultation Report is now available from the 'Documents' section on this page. The report, which includes KCC's response to key themes, will be presented to Thanet's Joint Transportation Board (JTB) on 12 September.

Details of the decision will be published on this webpage.

Kent County Council (KCC) is proposing to introduce highway improvements to the Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother (QEQM) Hospital junction on the A254 Ramsgate Road in Margate. This scheme aims to help improve bus journey times and reliability for the Thanet Loop Bus Service.

The proposed scheme for the QEQM Hospital junction and surrounding areas would see the following changes:

  • moving the 'Lesters' northbound bus stop 12 metres further north on Ramsgate Road (closer to Nash Court Road) to make it easier for buses to pull in and out of the bus stop
  • installing a new bus and taxi lane on Ramsgate Road on the southbound approach to the junction (near Lesters Pub and Restaurant)
  • removing the uncontrolled crossing outside Lesters Pub and Restaurant to accommodate the new bus and taxi lane
  • creating a replacement signal-controlled pedestrian crossing facility on the northern arm of the QEQM Hospital junction
  • creating a new footpath link to help improve access for pedestrians
  • creating a new left turn filter phase at the QEQM Hospital signalised junction
  • extending the right turning lane on the northbound approach to the traffic signals.

The scheme is part of the Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP).

Traffic Regulation Orders (TRO)

There are two TROs as part of this scheme. The effects of the proposed Orders will be to:

  • extend or amend existing waiting restrictions (double yellow lines) on Ramsgate Road.
  • introduce a new bus and taxi lane starting outside Lesters Pub and Restaurant on Ramsgate Road.

The orders are being made for the following reasons:

  • for avoiding danger to persons or other traffic using the road or any other road for preventing the likelihood of any such danger arising.
  • for preserving or improving the amenities of the area through which the road runs.
  • for facilitating the passage on the road or any other road of any class of traffic (including pedestrians)
  • for preventing damage to the road or to any building on or near the road.

Full details can be found in the Public Notice and Statement of Reason documents.

Have your say

We recommend you read all of the available information before providing feedback using the response form below.

Any person wishing to object or support the TROs before they are made permanent can also do so via the response form.

What happens next?

Following the consultation, a report will be compiled summarising the analysis of the responses. This report will be made available from this webpage.

The feedback will be used to help finalise the scheme design and reported to the Cabinet Member of Highways and Transport for them to decide if the scheme should proceed or not. The report will also be provided to members of the Thanet Joint Transportation Board (JTB).

If the decision is taken to proceed, then the Traffic Regulation Orders will be advertised as ‘Made Orders’. These will be publicised via a notice in the local newspaper and on this webpage.

  • CLOSED: This survey has concluded.

    Have your say!

    We have created this form for you to register your support or objection to the proposed traffic regulation orders and provide comments on the wider scheme in general. 

    The questionnaire is in two parts:

    • Part one – Mandatory questions for the TRO's. Do you support or oppose the amendments and why?
    • Part two – Optional questions to help us better understand your views on the scheme as a whole. 

    We recommend that you read all available information in the document section before completing this form.

    Privacy: Kent County Council collects and processes personal information in order to provide a range of public services. Kent County Council respects the privacy of individuals and endeavours to ensure personal information is collected fairly, lawfully, and in compliance with the United Kingdom General Data Protection Regulation. Read the full Traffic Regulation Order Privacy Notice.