Agenda and draft minutes

There were no declarations of interest.

To consider and approve the minutes of the meeting held on 20 November 2023.

The minutes of the meeting held on 20 November 2023, were submitted and approved by the Chair.

During the year parking restrictions have been proposed to the council. This report outlines the areas where restrictions would help to improve traffic flow, safety margins and resolve parking problems.

Paul Thompson, Transportation Lead Specialist, introduced the item. The report outlined the areas where restrictions would help to improve traffic flow, safety margins and resolve parking problems.

Following the Transportation Specialist introduction, members raised the following points:

·       As per paragraph 4 of the report, Motorcycling parking – Could the proposed motor cycling parking be moved to the Bradstone Road cul-de-sac, to avoid loss of space – Officers have confirmed they will enquire.

·       As per paragraph 3 of the report, Restricted Parking Zones – Members were pleased to hear the proposed restrictions and enquired into the time frame – Officers advised that the Council is hoping the statutory consultation will begin in the next few weeks.

·       As per paragraph 5 of the report, Loading Ban – Members had reservations as to whether the proposed loading ban would work, and whether it could be enforced? They also enquired as to the operating times, whether a targeted approach during school hours would be adopted and if successful, whether these restrictions could be implemented in more locations - Officers confirmed if implemented, the proposed loading ban would be easier to enforce than the current restrictions. As for the operating times, Officers could not confirm at the exact operating times as theses still need to be considered, however, suggested it could be 08:30 to 16:00hrs. As for the targeted approach during school hours, the council does not have the resources to enforce at all school locations.

Members resolved to note recommendations 6.1, 6.2 and 6.3 of the report.

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

The Highways Forward Works Programme 2023/24 as set out in the agenda, updated Members on the identified schemes approved for construction.

Members raised the following points:

·       As per appendix B, Drainage Repairs & Improvement – Councillor Tony Hills, advised he has received several calls regarding drainage and that he is collaborating with officers to access how best to manage surface water, work is ongoing.

·       As per appendix C, Street Lighting – Members have asked that a list be supplied, once work has been completed, and that further updates be provided.

·       As per appendix D2, Active Travel funded Projects – KCC members advised this is due to start on 15 April 2024. FHDC Members, asked that all members be included in the workshops.

·       As per appendix D3, Casualty Reduction Measures, Cheriton Road Junctions – The Chair advised members that the Active Travel Scheme is under review and that KCC are still investigating further as to what can be undertaken.

·       As per appendix E, Developer Funded Works – It was noted that in previous papers there was no mention of the project in Dengemarsh.

·       As per appendix E, Developer Funded Works, Folkestone Sea Front Development – It was noted about the installation of a temporary roundabout, and that when development is underway whether the site will become more pedestrian friendly?

·       As per appendix E, Developer Funded Works, Folkestone Sea Front Development – KCC members noted that where the roundabout is located, this is proposed to be a shared space (vehicles, cycling and pedestrian).

·       As per appendix E, Developer Funded Works, Cheriton High Street/Cheriton Approach – It was noted that the developers are looking into signals i.e. press button signal for pedestrians.

·       As per appendix I, Street Works – It was mentioned that major works are due to be underway this year across the district and members raised the importance of communication to residence, around works to be conducted, alternative routes and bus stop closures. Also, members raised concerns around emergency services have access and / or alternative routes be established.

This report provides an update on Kent’s response to the National Bus Strategy (NBS). The report recaps on the history of the NBS, explains how this links to Kent’s related Enhanced Partnership (EP) and Bus Service improvement Plan (BSIP), provides a progress report on the 23/24 BSIP programme and identifies the latest updates to the Government’s NBS agenda.

The report provided an update on Kent’s response to the National Bus Strategy (NBS). The report recaps on the history of the NBS, explains how this links to Kent’s related Enhanced Partnership (EP) and Bus Service improvement Plan (BSIP), provides a progress report on the 23/24 BSIP programme and identifies the latest updates to the Government’s NBS agenda.

Members raised the following points:

·       As per paragraph 1.6 of the report – The Chair advised members of the tight restrictions and that nothing currently exists beyond 2025, the BSIP funded is due to stop.

·       It was mentioned by members that they found the report helpful, however, it was mentioned that the report does include public engagement.

·       It was noted that some members were having discussions with community hubs on the potential of initiating a dial-a-ride scheme for the whole of New Romney.

·       Members were asked to keep the pressure on, and to continue having constructive conversations with Stagecoach.

·       It was also mentioned again that communication with residents is key. And that the bus service needs to be reliable.

·       Some members also mentioned about re-modelling bus schedules, so that operating times remain open later, to encourage younger generations to use the service when potentially going out for the night.

·       Members noted the extension to the £2.00 single journey bus cap.

·       It was also noted that whilst the £2.00 bus cap is great, fairs are still increasing in the background and fear that fairs will be too expensive then the cap finally ends.

·       Members advised that the £2.00 singe journey cap needs to remain for the summer period to encourage members of the public to use public transport.

This item has been included in the agenda at the request of board members.

Members are asked to discuss the traffic management for former Smith’s Medical site in Hythe.

The item was included in the agenda at the request of members.

Members were asked to discuss the traffic management for former Smith’s Medical site in Hythe.

Members raised the following points:

·       Members were in favour of the project but were concerned regarding the construction of the bollard.

·       It was also mentioned that residents were happy with the project, but again concerned regarding access.