Minutes of the meeting held on 13 June 2012.

Resolved: That the Minutes of the meeting of the Sevenoaks Joint Transportation Board held on 13 June 2012 be approved and signed by the Chairman as a correct record, subject to Minute 8, first line, being amended to read ‘Members discussed the paper’.

No new declarations were made.

Resolved: That the actions from previous meeting be noted.

Verbal Update

The Senior Parking and Traffic Engineer (SDC) updated the Board on the new and amended existing parking restrictions in the Witches Lane, Westerham Road, Cranmer Road and St Marys Drive areas of Chevening and Riverhead parishes which had been agreed at the meeting in December 2011.  He advised that the restrictions had been effective.  There had been complaints at St Mary’s Drive of the access being blocked which could be solved with a white protection line, and some parking within their site.  Also a separate issue that had arisen and may need future investigation was possible displacement parking caused by changes to a private car park.

The Senior Parking and Traffic Engineer, Sevenoaks District Council (SDC) presented the report which  considered the formal consultation on changes to parking restrictions at 28 locations across the District, forming Amendment 25 to the on-street Traffic Regulation Order.  Further to the report he advised the Board that Halstead Parish Council had requested that despite not being supported at the informal consultation stage, they would still like the proposals for Otford Lane and Church Lane crossroads to be considered.  The Chairman put this to the Board who agreed on a show of hands that the proposals for Otford Lane and Church Lane crossroads, Halstead, should be taken forward to the formal consultation process.

The Senior Parking and Traffic Engineer (SDC) reported that in relation to Sycamore Drive, Swanley, County Councillor Brookbank had asked that a parking bay be reduced in size but this had fallen outside of the consultation process but could be incorporated into the next amendment process. 

The Board was addressed by a local resident, Mr. Metcher concerning the parking bay at High Firs Swanley.  Local District and County Members spoke to this item and were in favour or removing the parking bay for safety reasons.  The Chairman put this to the Board who agreed on a show of hands to remove the parking bay.

The Board was also addressed by Mrs. Brooker concerning the new double yellow lines proposed for the Main Road at Knockholt supporting the changes but requesting them to be introduced at the earliest opportunity.

Members of the Board considered the recommendations contained within the report, subject to the amendments above and

Resolved: That

a)        the proposals included for information in the report, be noted;

b)        the proposals for Otford Lane and Church Lane crossroads be taken forward to the formal consultation process; and

c)         the objections received to the proposals detailed within the report be noted and the following decisions taken

Further to the report received, the Strategic Transport and Development Planner for Sevenoaks (KCC) presented the Board with a number of possible options being considered to help improve the traffic and air quality of the junction with the use of the s.106 funding. 

Members discussed the information presented, expressed various concerns but agreed in principle to the concept/options being explored.  It was agreed that a more detail report including design details and cost estimates of the options, was required for decision.  Members hoped that such a report could be circulated in advance of the usual five clear days required for the agenda.

Resolved:  That progress to date be noted and a detailed report be submitted to a future meeting of the Board.

Verbal update

The Strategic Transport and Development Planner for Sevenoaks (KCC) advised that the decision to implement a pedestrian phase/stage at the junction of Pembroke Road/High Street/Suffolk Way had been considered by the KCC Cabinet Member for Environment, Highways and Waste and he had decided not to proceed with it in view of the detrimental impact on traffic flow and air quality and cost to carry out necessary traffic signal equipment upgrade exceeding funds available.  However he advised that the contribution could still cover works to enhance the uncontrolled pedestrian facilities at the junction such as surface treatment, road markings and warning signs.

The Board expressed their disappointment at the decision taken.

Resolved:  That the Chairman write a letter, on behalf of the Board, urging the KCC Cabinet Member for Environment, Highways and Waste to reconsider his decision and find the extra funds required.

Members considered the report which provided updated results of the A25 50 mph speed limit consultation.  The Board was addressed by Mr. Milligan who did not see a need to restrict this route.

Resolved: That the implementation of the proposed 50 mph speed limit on the A25 as detailed in the report, be agreed.

The Board requested that, as far as practicably possible, Officers use existing signage posts and minimise the need for additional signage posts.

Members considered the report that outlined the arrangements made between Kent County Council and Sevenoaks District Council to provide a local winter service plan in the event of an operational snow alert in the borough/district.

Action:  District Manager (Sevenoaks) KCC, to check whether red diesel tractors are allowed to drive on public roads.

Resolved:  That the report be noted.

Members considered the report which described the progress to date and anticipated progress over the next three months of all the programmed highway improvements and schemes expected to be included in Kent County Council’s 2012/13 Capital Programme.

Resolved:  That the report be noted.

Discussion item.  Information can be found on http://www.bml2.co.uk/

Councillor Robson highlighted the importance for the need of a second Brighton Mainline (BML2) to create more capacity in the south.  He had brought leaflets on the issue which he urged Members to read and asked them to help raise interest in this cause.

Resolved: That the Chairman write to the relevant KCC Cabinet Member, on behalf of the Board, expressing support for the Brighton Mainline 2 and requesting it’s inclusion on the Kent Local Transport Plan.