Active Travel Infrastructure

Active travel are journeys made in physically active ways - like walking, cycling or wheeling (using a wheelchair or mobility aid). This offers health and environmental benefits, and an alternative method for many people who have local car journeys. If you have questions about active travel in Dartford, please email active.travel@dartford.gov.uk.

Dartford Council is focussed on taking forward the infrastructure of the Borough. We work with the local highway authority (Kent County Council), inclusive of active travel opportunities.

The government requires all councils to produce a Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP). Dartford's LCWIP studies include an interactive map of identified potential cycle corridors and walking zones.

The Dartford LCWIP found evidence that London Road in Stone, may offer a particular opportunity to achieve walking and cycling improvements. See below for further information. 

Explore Dartford

Take a look at how to easily and healthily visit Dartford and see our new and current attractions. We've worked with Explore Kent to produce a leaflet showing local facilities readily accessible from Dartford railway station, and the best walking and existing cycle routes in and around the town: View the Explore Dartford leaflet.

London Road, Stone

The first consultation on London Road options for walkers and cyclists in Stone, ended on December 2024. We then displayed information at consultation events. The aim was to explore how to reduce congestion and air and noise pollution in Stone.
The existing A226 carriageway that provides a two way flow of vehicles along London Road, will be retained.

This particular route (A226 London Road, between the B2228 Cotton Lane junction and the B255 St Clements Roundabout), may present a key chance to create a greener and safer route, aiming for a healthier Stone. This is due to this route having an unusually wide section of highway within this stretch of London Road, and also connects the schools, shops, local community services and jobs in Stone and beyond.

Investigations so far suggest there may be potential for:

• New cycle lanes and footpaths continuously along the whole length (1.3 miles/ 2.2 km), and on both sides of the road. This could provide safe and appealing direct routes.
• New road crossings for pedestrians and cyclists, which will also help link up Stone. All cycle lanes, footpaths and highway lanes can be segregated to avoid conflicts with other cyclists, pedestrians or vehicles.
• Providing new green landscaping (where space allows), plants and trees can absorb air pollution, and help manage flood risk. The landscaping could provide a more attractive local setting, and may help reduce noise.  
• London Road to possibly become a 30mph road - a more typical speed when passing through residential communities - along the length of this stretch. Currently there are sections of London Road that have a 30mph speed, with some sections going up to 40mph. Equalising this would create clarity and consistency for drivers.

Some indicative first concept drawings of the sections of London Road are available that explore feasibility and potential improvements. The drawings show some sample sections of the road and sections along the length of the road. No changes have been confirmed or agreed.

Consultation comments are now being considered, the views expressed will influence whether the project advances to the stage where detailed design steps are taken and further consultation carried out. This means there is currently no timescale for any changes, and funding for improvements has not yet been identified.

Outcomes of the public engagement and proposed steps in response are expected to be reported back to Dartford Borough Council’s Cabinet. This would occur before further public consultation on delivery of London Road improvements.