Agenda and minutes

There were no declarations of interest made in accordance with the Code of Conduct.  However, County Councillor M Balfour advised that he was Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport and a resident of Norman Road, West Malling, County Councillor Mrs T Dean advised that she was a resident of Offham Road, West Malling and Borough Councillor Mrs A Oakley advised that a member of her immediate family lived in Norman Road, West Malling.  They remained in the meeting during consideration of all matters on the agenda.

To confirm as a correct record the Notes of the meeting of the Joint Transportation Board held on 26 September 2016

RESOLVED:  That the Minutes of the meeting of the Joint Transportation Board held on 26 September 2016 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

The report of the Director of Street Scene, Leisure and Technical Services set out details of a number of proposed minor alterations to parking restrictions recently introduced as part of Phase 8 of the Parking Action Plan and the West Malling Parking Review.  Particular reference was made to the need to revise the previously agreed restrictions between No 75 Norman Road and Alma Road due to the road width being narrower than shown on the Ordnance Survey record.  The Board noted that formal consultation on the changes in Cage Green Road, Tonbridge and at Offham Road and Norman Road, West Malling had been undertaken between 3rd and 26th February 2017 and details of the responses received were set out in the report.

RECOMMENDED:  That

(1)          the objection to the extension of the parking restriction within Cage Green Road, Tonbridge, be set aside and the restrictions, as advertised, be introduced;

(2)          in light of the level of response from residents and the potential for the resident of No 3 Offham Road to change their entrance to ease the access issues, the proposal to shorten the parking bays in respect of Offham Road, West Malling be abandoned and the existing on-street parking and yellow line restrictions be retained;

(3)          the objections to the revised proposal in respect of Norman Road, West Malling be set aside and the restrictions, as advertised, be introduced; and

(4)          the proposed changes to the draft Amendment 13 to the Borough Council’s On-Street Traffic Regulation Order be made and the Order be sealed.

*Referred to Cabinet

The report of the Head of Transportation, Kent County Council, summarised the findings of the public consultation on the proposal to improve access to Tonbridge Station undertaken by KCC’s Transport Innovation Team from 31 October to 11 December 2016.  The report outlined the timetable for the detailed design and construction of the scheme.  Particular concern was expressed by Members about the location of bus stops and their use by ‘idling’ buses.  The Head of Transportation advised that the Board would be kept informed throughout the design process and, if necessary, consultation would be undertaken on any major changes to the proposal.

RESOLVED:  That Kent County Council use the outcome of the consultation to begin the detailed design process for the scheme to improve access to Tonbridge Station.  

The report of the Head of Transportation, Kent County Council, outlined a project to improve the priority utility cycling route along the A26 between Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells town centres.  That Board noted that the Department for Transport (DfT) had added £100m to the Local Growth Fund pot and that KCC had secured funding for this cycle route from this allocation. The initial design proposals, prepared by DHA Planning, were presented at the meeting together with details of the consultation with key stakeholder groups undertaken between 7 November and 18 December 2016. 

RESOLVED:  That the A26 cycle route proposals be progressed to statutory consultation for the Traffic Regulation Orders.

The report of the Director of Highways and Transportation, Kent County Council, provided an update on the completion of the bridge widening scheme at the end of January 2017 and outlined the timescale for the completion of some minor signing and safety barrier works.  The report focussed on the outcome of the public consultation of whether the temporary ban on the right hand turn out of Castle Way towards Junction 4 should be permanent.  The report summarised the consultation process, responses received, traffic surveys undertaken before and during the construction works and an assessment of the operation of Park Road Roundabout, safety issues and traffic violations.  Details of the physical works required were also submitted.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)          the Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, Kent County Council, be advised that the Joint Transportation Board (Tonbridge and Malling) supports the proposal to publish Traffic Regulation Orders and to carry out works to permanently ban the right hand movement out of Castle Way, including associated works at Park Road Roundabout; and

(2)          the local community be advised accordingly.

The report of the Director of Highways and Transportation provided an update on the proposed improvement of key junctions along Hermitage Lane, the A20 and M20 Junction 5 at Aylesford.  Members welcomed the proposals to improve the Hermitage Lane junction with the new retail development to allow additional capacity to relieve congestion and reduce delays and queue lengths.  The Board noted that funding was available for junction improvements at M20 Junction 5, A20/Coldharbour Lane and A20/Hermitage Lane and that it was anticipated these would be delivered in 2018/2019. 

The report of KCC Highways and Transportation provided an update on footway and carriageway improvement, drainage repairs and improvements, street lighting, transportation and safety schemes, Developer Funded Work (Sections 278 and 106 works), bridge works and approved traffic systems.  In addition the report provided details of current County Member funded schemes within the Borough.

The Chairman to move that the press and public be excluded from the remainder of the meeting during consideration of any items the publication of which would disclose exempt information.

There were no items considered in private.