A consultation on a Tunbridge Wells Council initiative called “Better Streets” has just two more weeks before public feedback closes.
The council says the aim is to make the St John’s and St James’ areas more pleasant to live in - and safer for walking and cycling.
But some residents say that blocking off certain routes to cars - like Powder Mill Lane and Queen's Road - will worsen congestion on the main roads.
In addition to the in-person meetings, an online survey is running until Monday 9th December.
The council has 2 concept designs for both the areas of St John's and St James'.
Two more in-person community engagements are taking place in Grosvenor and Hilbert Park in response to residents’ concerns.
The first community engagement is on Saturday 23rd November, from 11 am to 2 pm, while the second community engagement is on Tuesday 26th November, from 4 to 7 pm.
Planned changes include new footway and lighting improvements on Newlands Road, and a lorry ban on roads such as Ferndale.
Resident comments online have included the fact that the changes could increase traffic onto Pembury Road and neighbouring areas, the reduction of parking opportunities on certain roads such as King George V Hill, and the safety concern of reinstating the right turn from Sandrock Road onto Pembury Road.
Other concerns have been raised about the implementation of bus gates and modal filters on certain roads, such as Powder Mill Lane, which means only buses and authorised vehicles would be allowed onto those roads.
The council has said that no decision has been made and that they will listen to all feedback.
The project has been running since Summer 2023 with £50,000 granted from Active Travel England.
Various consultations and engagements have taken place with initial suggestions for changes, including poorly maintained pavements, safety concerns at junctions, and speeding vehicles.
The council declined an invitation to give an interview to West Kent Radio to explain the plans.
You can take part in the survey by clicking the link.