Agenda and minutes

There were no declarations of interest made 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 8 March 2021

RESOLVED: That the Minutes of the meeting of the Joint Transportation Board held on the 8 March 2021 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

This report summarises the consultation outcomes of the developers proposed double yellow line (DYL) parking restrictions on the south-eastern phase (described by the developer as phases 8, 9 and 10) of the Holborough Lakes residential development.

The report of the Head of Transportation, Kent County Council, summarised the consultation outcomes of the developer’s proposed double yellow line (DYL) parking restrictions on the south-eastern phase (described by the developer as phases 8,9 and 10) of the Holborough Lakes residential development.  The Mid Kent Programme Manager explained that an independent road safety audit had raised concerns about the visibility at access, junctions, side road and informal crossing points located throughout the development and as such proposed that double yellow line parking restrictions be implemented.    The proposed parking restrictions were in response to these concerns but would also ensure that adequate access and turning space was maintained for refuse collection and emergency services vehicles. 

RESOLVED: That the proposed double yellow line parking restrictions, as shown in the revised plan on page 5 of the report, be accepted and the Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) be made.  All costs associated with the placement of the lining were to be borne by the developer.

This report summarises the consultation outcomes of the developers (GEN2 Estates) proposed speed reduction measures on Upper Haysden Lane. This report explores 2 potential options - 1.) Extend the 40mph limit further south past the A21 Tonbridge bypass to help slow drivers on approach to the school or 2.) Extend the existing 30mph speed limit past Nexus School and remove the existing 40mph speed limit.

The report of the Head of Transportation, Kent County Council, summarised the consultation outcomes of the developer’s (GEN2 Estates) proposed speed reduction measures on Upper Haysden Lane.  The report explored two potential options:-

(1) Extend the 40mph limit further south past the A21 Tonbridge bypass to help slow drivers on approach to the school; or

(2) Extend the existing 30mph speed limit past Nexus School and remove the existing 40mph speed limit.  Members expressed concern that measures had not previously been introduced to ensure driver awareness of the presence of the school.

The Board recognised the funding issues and requested further information on costs and time limitations.  Members indicated their wish to pursue a programme for a 30mph limit and noted that a revised scheme would need to be approved.

RESOLVED: That

(1)         the recommendation contained in the report be refused; and

(2)         Kent County Council, in consultation with County Councillors, Ward Members and the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Joint Transportation Board, investigate the option of a 30mph speed limit on Upper Haysden Lane and associated funding required for traffic mitigation measures and a revised proposed scheme be submitted to a future meeting of the Joint Transportation Board for consideration.

This report updates Members on the identified schemes approved for construction

The report of Kent County Council Highways, Transportation and Waste summarised schemes programmed for delivery in 2021/22 and 2022/23 and provided an update on Road, Footway and Cycleway Renewal and Preservation Scheme (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).  It was noted that the programme was subject to regular review.  Representatives from Kent County Council Highways offered to respond direct to Members outside of the meeting on a number of matters identified during consideration of this item.

RESOLVED: That the report be received and noted.

The Chairman announced that an item of late business had been accepted as a result of special circumstances arising from a recent emergency road closure which had caused and continued to cause significant disruption to the local road network. 

The local Member for Borough Green and Long Mill Ward thanked the Chairman for allowing him to raise the issue of emergency road closures.  He expressed concern about the lack of communication and advance warning from utility companies and Kent Highway Services and asked whether a Working Group could be established to develop a Road Closure Protocol.  The Board supported this suggestion and asked that a Working Group be established as a priority to enable options for a Road Closure Protocol to be presented to the next meeting of the Joint Transportation Board. 

RESOLVED:  That the proposal to establish a Working Group to explore options for a Road Closure Protocol be noted.    

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.