Agenda and minutes

Notification of substitute members were recorded as set out below:

·       Councillor K Tanner substituted for Councillor M Coffin

In accordance with Council Procedure Rules 17.5 to 17.9 this Councillor had the same rights as the ordinary member of the committee for whom they were substituting.

With the approval of the Chair, the Kent Association of Local Councils advised of a substitution in their parish/town representatives for the meeting and Mr D Hall substituted for Cllr W Palmer who attended as a Borough Councillor.

Members are reminded of their obligation under the Council’s Code of Conduct to disclose any Disclosable Pecuniary Interests and Other Significant Interests in any matter(s) to be considered or being considered at the meeting. These are explained in the Code of Conduct on the Council’s website at Code of conduct for members – Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council (tmbc.gov.uk).

Members in any doubt about such declarations are advised to contact Legal or Democratic Services in advance of the meeting.

There were no declarations of interest in accordance with the Code of Conduct.

To confirm as a correct record the Notes of the meeting of the Joint Transportation Board held on 4 March 2024

RESOLVED:  That the Minutes of the meeting of the Joint Transportation Board held on 4 March 2024 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

The Chair has requested a discussion on whether the scope of the Joint Transportation Board should be widened to include public transport and local bus and train travel services.

Following a meeting of the Chair and Vice Chairs of the Joint Transportation Boards, Members views were sought on whether the scope of the Board should be widened.  During discussion, whilst recognising officer resource implications, Members welcomed extending the scope to include public transport and local bus and train travel services. 

In order to allow for due consideration to be given, Members requested that the item be included on the agenda for the next meeting for discussion and for a recommendation to the Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, Kent County Council be agreed.

RESOLVED: That consideration be given to the scope of the Joint Transportation Board at the next meeting.

This report provides an update to the experimental scheme in Wouldham, where a ‘no entry’ restriction has been installed at the junction of School Lane and High Street.

Members received an update to the experimental scheme in Wouldham, where a ‘no entry’ restriction had been installed at the junction of School Lane and High Street to restrict the number of vehicles travelling southbound on High Street, reduce congestion and reduce pollution from vehicle emissions. 

Concerns had been raised by Wouldham Parish Council, County Councillor Kennedy and residents regarding the increase in the amount of traffic using High Street following the construction of Peters Bridge and the Peters Village development.

In response to a public consultation, 62% supported the experimental scheme. Of the objections received, 35% stated that the scheme had too much impact on the adjacent road/communities and businesses.  Members noted that this might be due to the length of the diversion route to reach the lower end of the High Street.  16% stated that driving further via the diversion route caused an increase in pollution and was inconvenient. 

Wouldham Parish Council had carried out a peak traffic survey in May 2023 which identified an 84% reduction in southbound traffic which could be approximated to be the level of compliance with the ‘no entry’ restriction. 

During discussion, Members indicated that they would support a gradual reduction in the speed limit on Hill Road on the approach to Medway Green School.

RECOMMENDED: That

(1)    the Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) for the ‘no entry’ point and accompanying ‘no right turn restrictions at Scarborough Lane and Church Street be made permanent and include an amendment to exempt cyclists and equestrians from the ‘no entry’ restriction; and

(2)    the removal of the conversion of School Lane to ‘one way’ from the scheme be noted.

This report updates Members on the identified schemes approved for construction.

The report of the Kent County Highways, Transportation and Waste summarised schemes programmed for delivery in 2023/24 and provided an update on Road, Footway and Cycleway Renewal and Preservation Schemes (Appendix A), Drainage Repairs and Improvements (Appendix B), Street Lighting (Appendix C), Transportation and Safety Schemes (Appendix D), Developer Funded Works (Appendix E), Bridge Works (Appendix F), Traffic Systems (Appendix G) and the Combined Members Grant (Appendix H). 

Members sought reassurance that signage would be installed leading up to the micro surfacing on Chapman Way leading into Winterfield Lane and notification of changes in bus services.  Furthermore, clarification was sought in respect of the current design status for the externally funded scheme for East Street/High Street in Tonbridge and noted that the design would depend on the outcome of a ground penetrating radar survey.  An update on the expected conclusion date in respect of the investigations into the feasibility options for drainage repairs and improvements to London Road, Larkfield were sought.  

Concern was expressed regarding the recent flooding on Water Lane, West Malling and confirmation was sought on whether the flooding had occurred following the completion of the drainage works. In regard to develop funded works, the lack of directional signage on the newly opened section of Bellingham Way was raised.

The report provides an update on the Major Capital Programme teams implementation of schemes within Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council in line with Kent County Council’s strategic targets with the road network.

The report of the Kent Major Capital Programme Team summarised schemes programmed for implementation in line with Kent County Council’s strategic targets with the road network.

Kent County Council provided an update on the major junction upgrade scheme to Coldharbour Roundabout and forthcoming planned works during June as detailed in the supplemental document. Members noted that a comprehensive update would be reported at the next meeting.

Any matters raised will be for information only and any views, actions, outcomes or recommendations may be addressed out of meeting or reported to the next possible Joint Transportation Board (if appropriate).

(1)             KCC Highways Improvement Plan – Ightham Parish

Ightham Parish Council request an update on progress regarding 20mph on The Street, Oldbury Lane and Spring Lane and a blanket 30mph throughout the rest of Ightham to the parish boundaries.

Members noted the request from Parish Councillor David Hall that Kent County Council give consideration to the implementation of a 20mph speed limit in Ightham village centre, the installation of an interactive speed sign and effective signage due to an increase in traffic issues.  Further consideration would be given to the request at the next meeting of the Board.

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.