The report described the progress to date and anticipated progress over the next three months of all programmed highway improvements and those schemes that were expected to be included in Kent County Council’s 2011-12 Capital Programme.  The District Manager (Sevenoaks) apologised that the Transport Planner was not able to attend the meeting due to an earlier work related incident.  With reference to the Polhill Crash Remedial Measures he advised that there was to be a meeting in the New Year to discuss this and other hills in the area.  In response to a query that Otford Parish Council had not seen the proposals, he advised that consultation had gone out that week but he would double check Otford Parish Council had been on the list.  In response to a Member’s question he advised that the traffic island had been placed at Polhill as a crash remedial measure and therefore could be done ahead of the consultation.  It was only included on the consultation for information. 

ACTION 1:     Invitation to the meeting concerning Polhill Crash Remedial Measures to be extended to County Councillors Gough and Parry.

A Member advised the Board that the junction works near Station Road were causing concern among many local residents and the Parish Council. Considering the cost he was concerned that there needed to be more certainty that the measures would physically work.  The current view was that the mini roundabout did not work.  The District Manager confirmed that a petition had recently been received concerning the traffic calming measures, but was too late to be included on the agenda.

ACTION 2:     Petition and Officer response to the Station Road, Dunton Green petition, to be submitted to the next meeting of the Board, with all local representatives kept appraised of the situation.

The District Manager (Sevenoaks) updated the Board on additional items to the Members’ Highway Fund expenditure.  The Board noted that where the report stated ‘Awaiting Member Approval’ it referred to County Council Cabinet Member approval.  It was advised that in many cases this had already been granted. 

ACTION 3:     Kent Highways to note and investigate the following

David Brazier

·                                        no note of completed works outside Hartley Post Office

Peter Lake

·                     ‘Fordcombe to Penshurst Village – Request for an illuminating speed reduction sign’  ongoing and should not be taken off the list

·                     query from a Member as to why the ‘Station Road, Edenbridge – Request for a Pedestrian Crossing’ was not covered by the building costs of the Community Centre

Robert Brookbank

·                     ‘Emerson Avenue and Victoria Hill Road, Hextable – Request for measures to improve visibility’ lining is outstanding and causing parking problems

·                     ‘Russet Way, Swanley – request that unsuitable for HGV signs’ still not completed after two years.

The District Manager (Sevenoaks) advised that he was aware that there were a number of issues concerning the list which is why he had hoped the relevant Officer would have been able to attend the meeting.

Members noted that in many cases costs were estimates based on a previous Contractors rates, and that the new Contractor was much more competitive.  Members felt that it was a good scheme that allowed them to respond more positively to constituents concerns.

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