Agenda and minutes

Mr Dylan Jeffrey made a voluntary announcement in that his workplace falls within one of the areas within the Kent Active Travel Consultation. 

To consider and approve the minutes of the meeting held on 5 July 2021. 

The minutes of the meeting held on 5 July 2021 were agreed as a correct record.  The Chairman’s signature will be added to these. 

Subsequent to agreeing the minutes members did discuss certain aspects as follows: 

Ashley Avenue – the Board had asked for a report or a verbal update with regard to signage.  Mr James Bowen will chase for an update. 

Proposed Cycle Way at Cheriton – consultation to begin on 14 September.  Ms Wendy Boorman confirmed the consultation will close on 25 October.  Ms Boorman is aware there is some opposition to it, however, this is the purpose of the consultation.   Residents in the area will receive postcards with links to the scheme, posters will be displayed, members and stakeholders will also be emailed.  Members asked that the link and information is provided to the Board.   

Report JTB/21/02 provides an update and summarises schemes that have been programmed for delivery in 2021/22.

Report JTB/21/02 provided an update and summarised schemes that have been programmed for delivery in 2021/22. 

The Chairman went through the report and asked members for their comments on each section, comments and questions raised as follows: 

Cinque Ports Cycle Route Phase 5 – Nickolls Road to Dymchurch Redoubt.  Members reported overwhelming support for this scheme.  Construction to start in mid November 2021. 

Cheriton High Street/Cheriton Approach (Appendix E) – Concerns about the pedestrian crossing facility, improved lighting needed.  Traffic approaches from many directions.  Has a safety audit taken place?  Mr Bowen responded that a stage 3 Safety Audit will be going ahead, hopefully improving the situation around this area and Junction 12 (M20). 

A further concern mentioned was the right hand turn having two lanes then culminating into one lane.  Mr Bowen advised that this had been deemed sufficient. 

Sandling Road/Staple Lane (Appendix I) – What does ‘proving the route’ mean?  Possibly checks on broadband upgrades.  Mr Bowen to check. 

Cheriton High Street and Stone Street (Appendix I) – finer details needed on location of works.

Other aspects of highway works discussed centred around emergency road closures; examples given: 

- Sandling Road/Farthing Common, recent road closure caused confusion.

- Sandgate Road – closed for seven days by utilities, however this road had been reently closed previously by KCC.  Members had received complaints from residents especially due to the disruption in bus routes and the disappearance of the bus stop at Trinity Gardens.  Mr Bowen advised that street works co-ordinators do look at collaborative working, he will come back to the Board with further details. 

A suggestion was made that details of road closures could be included in future JTB agendas.  

Scanlons Bridge – are there plans to install crossings at the traffic lights; yellow box junction?  Members were keen to ensure this item is included in the Highway Works programme for discussion by the Board.  Mr Bowen to investigate. 

Kent Active Travel Consultation – Ms Boorman confirmed that the consultation concludes at the end of October and she would be happy to attend the next JTB meeting to update members. 

Draft letter addressed to police circulated to Board members prior to this meeting to consider.  The letter addressed concerns about speeding along Coast Drive and The Parade in Greatstone.  Full support given for this to be forwarded to Insp Brittenden at Kent Police. 

Members highlighted certain aspects of poor driving, ie speeding; jumping traffic lights; increase in electric scooters being ridden dangerously.  Also mentioned cyclists who cannot be seen in the dark.