The Chairman on behalf of the Board, thanked former County Councillors Peter Lake and John London for their years of service on the Sevenoaks Joint Transportation Board, and formally welcomed the new County Councillors Mrs. Crabtree and Pearman.

Resolved:  That the Minutes of the meeting of the Sevenoaks Joint Transportation Board held on 13 March 2013 be approved and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

No new declarations were made.

Action 1

The District Manager (Sevenoaks) KCC reported that he was happy to leave the pedestrian guard railings at the two remaining sites in situ if the Board agreed. 

Resolved:  That the pedestrian guard railings at Sites 2 and 4 be left in situ and the item removed form the action sheet.

Action 2

Further to Minute 36 (2) of the Minutes of the meeting held on 13 March 2013, and Action 2, the Chairman allowed Mr Morrison from the Sevenoaks Cycle Forum to address the Committee.  Mr Morrison tabled a paper for Members to read, and advised that the Forum had not been contacted and could not see that Officers had investigated what was agreed at the last meeting, including the possibility of a variation to the deed to allow the money to be used.

The District Manager (Sevenoaks) KCC advised that it was detailed within Appendix A to Agenda Item 6 did show that the sped was being investigated and there would be consultation with the forum at the earliest stage.  He undertook to speak to the Strategic Transport and Development Planner for Sevenoaks (KCC).

The Board reaffirmed the resolution of the last meeting (Minute 36, 13 March 2013) and County Councillor Brazier advised that he would authorise officers to investigate a deed of variation.

Action 3

The District Manager (Sevenoaks) KCC advised that replacement was not a high priority for funding, the situation would continue to be monitored.

Action 6

County Councillor Chard confirmed that he had asked for a feasibility study.  It was agreed to take this off the Action Sheet.

Cllr. Tucker from Brasted Parish Council addressed and presented the petition to the Board advising that there were several hand written copies still in circulation.  He also tabled a copy of key points arising from a recent Parish Council meeting.  A member of the public and local district Councillor Firth also addressed the Board.

The District Manager (Sevenoaks) KCC  advised that the route was listed under the freight strategy as a strategic route and if there were an incident on the M25 there was no other alternative for HGVs.  A weight restriction would not be a viable option but it may be possible to undertake a speed survey and look at a crossing.

Resolved:  That Officers bring back a report to a future meeting of the Board, and look into carrying out a traffic survey, implementing a pedestrian crossing, crash history of the area and suggestions of any remedial measures to address concerns, and consult with Brasted Parish Council.

The Board considered a report which reviewed the changes to on-street parking arrangements near to Knockholt Station in Halstead that were brought into effect in October 2011, were subject to extensive public consultations reported to the Board on 16 March 2009 and 15 June 2011.  Further concerns had been addressed by the Board on 12 September 2012 and new parking restrictions introduced on 31 March 2013.

A Member of the London Borough of Bromley, Councillor Grainger, was allowed to address the Board.  He requested that the Board consider installing two further pay and display machines and charging £1.50.

A request had been received by a local Councillor to defer consideration of this report to the next meeting as the Badgers Mount Residents Association did not believe it reflected public opinion.  It was noted that their previous views had been taken account of in the two public consultations and the report last September. 

The Head of Environmental and Operational Services agreed that the number of machines could be looked into; charges were set by Cabinet and could be looked at in the annual review.  He explained that the schemes were introduced in order to manage parking problems, and that the competitiveness of charges had to be looked at across the district.

Resolved:  That the changes to parking arrangements have had a beneficial effect on traffic movements along London Road, and congestion outside the station had been dramatically reduced, be noted.

County Councillors Gough and Parry wished their opposition to be recorded.

The Board considered the programmed highway improvements and Member Highway Fund programme.

Action 1:  Island crossing to be investigated at the Sevenoaks High Street junctions with Pembroke Road and Suffolk Way.

County Councillor Brookbank advised that as part of the Main Road/Top Dartford Road, Hextable scheme looking into signage a site had been found for an interactive speed sign in Swanley Lane (B258).  The Chairman allowed the local member, Cllr. Mrs Sargeant, to address the Board and give the background to the request for the interactive sign which had been originally requested on 16 March 2010.

Resolved:  That the progress of programmed highway improvements, be noted.

The Board considered a report which updated them on the identified schemes approved for construction in 2013/14.  The District Manager (Sevenoaks) KCC pointed out that Bradbourne Vale Road had been added as per the Board’s request. 

Action 2:  Future Street Lighting appendices to have the locations set out more clearly so as to be more readily identifiable.

Resolved:  That the report be noted.

The Board considered the key results of the 2012 Resident, County Member and Parish/Town Council Highway Tracker Survey.

Resolved:  That the report be noted.