Brent Council has proposed a new 20mph speed limit on a section of Woodcock Hill in Kenton, following 20 injury crashes at two nearby locations over three years. The measures, which also include junction improvements at the intersection of Kenton Road, Woodcock Hill and Kenton Lane, aim to reduce collisions and improve safety for drivers and pedestrians.
Crash data and priority locations
Between November 2021 and August 2024, there were 20 crashes resulting in injuries at the two sites, according to the latest accident data. These included five serious and 15 slight accidents, involving 38 vehicles, one bicycle and 21 casualties, of whom five were pedestrians. The council has identified the junction as a “high priority” for safety improvements and the Woodcock Hill stretch as a “medium-priority” for collisions.
Proposed safety measures
The plans include a new 20mph zone on Woodcock Hill between Kenton Road and Donnington Road, designed to reduce vehicle speed and the severity of accidents. A raised speed table and new speed cushions are also proposed, along with road markings and signs to remind drivers of the 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 accommodate these, a right turn restriction and relocation of a bus stop are proposed. The council hopes these measures will improve “pedestrian priority and accessibility”.
A new peak-hour bus lane westbound on Kenton Road is also part of the scheme, aimed at improving “bus reliability and encourage greater use of public transport”.
Community petition and consultation
In 2023, more than 650 parents at St. Gregory's Catholic Science College, along with Kenton residents, signed a petition calling for pelican crossings at all four arms of the junction, which they described as “intimidating” for children.
A public consultation on the proposed changes ended on July 10. The council will use the results to decide whether to implement the proposals, with a decision to be publicised in due course.
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.”
