To agree the Minutes of the meeting of the Board held on 21 September 2022, as a correct record

Resolved: That the Minutes of the meeting held on 21 September 2022 be agreed and signed as a correct record.

Cllr. Brazier declared that he was the KCC Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport and so would not participate in debate on Item 5 - Update on proposed Sevenoaks Town-wide 20mph speed limit (Minute 15).

Cllr. Streatfeild declared that he was the KCC local Member for item 6 – Applications for Disabled Persons (Blue Badge) Parking Bays (Minute 16).

The Chairman noted that all Members had been lobbied in respect of item 5 - Update on proposed Sevenoaks Town-wide 20mph speed limit (Minute 15).

The Board noted the completed action from the previous meeting.

Members considered a report which presented the public consultation for a proposed speed limit reduction on A225 Shoreham Road, Shoreham. The report recommended that a 40mph speed limit be instituted from a point 95 metres South of the junction with Fackenden Lane to a point 476 metres North of the junction with Station Road, Shoreham and a 50mph speed limit be instituted from a point 476 metres north of the junction with Station Road, Shoreham to a point 83 metres Southwest of the junction with Station Road, Eynsford.

The Board was addressed by Seal Parish Cllr. Jefferies.

A Member raised some concern over the suggested 50mph speed limit extending as far as Eynsford Village but supported the implementation of the reduced speeds as laid out in the report.

Members discussed the report and appendices. It was confirmed that 31 objections had been received during the consultation but that only 6 objections were relevant to traffic management.

Public Sector Equality Duty

Members noted that consideration had been given to impacts under the Public Sector Equality Duty.

Resolved: That it be recommended to KCC that the objections be overturned and the reduced speed limits be implemented as advertised via the Traffic Regulation Order (TRO).

The Board considered a report that presented the results of the public consultation on a proposed scheme to introduce a Town-wide 20mph speed limit as well as a one-way traffic order between The Vine and St Botolphs Road in a Southerly direction. The proposal included a new zebra crossing, an advisory cycle lane on Dartford Road and a 30mph speed reduction on A25 Seal Road. The consultation was the result of a resident petition received by the Board on 9 June 2021 and was supported by the KCC Member for Sevenoaks Town.

The Board was addressed by the Lead Petitioner and Seal Parish Cllr. Haslam.

The introduction of a 30mph speed limit on the A25 had been consulted on separately and had been included as part of the wider scheme. The Board expressed strong support for the 30mph speed reduction on the A25 Seal Road.

It was moved by the Chairman and duly seconded that it be recommended to KCC the implementation of a 30mph speed limit on A25 Seal Road from its junction with High Street to a point 95 metres west of its junction with Pinewood Avenue.

The motion was put to the vote and was carried.

Members asked questions of clarification around the consultation, 20mph speed reduction zones and traffic data. The Senior Programme Manager (KCC) advised that a speed reduction to 20mph on the A25 at Knole Academy would disrupt traffic flow and sensible compliance and was not recommended. In response to a question the Senior Programme Manager (KCC) would report back to the Board on the statutory consultation received for the Council.

Action 1: For the Senior Programme Manager (KCC) to update the Board on when and who was contacted at Sevenoaks District Council as part of the consultation process for the Sevenoaks Town-Wide 20mph Scheme, and when a response was received.

The viability of the zones around schools was discussed and it was confirmed that the 500metre catchment zone around the schools adhered to the Public Transport Accessibility Levels Study which scored how reliant individuals were on a private vehicle. It was also confirmed that at peak times traffic data showed an adherence to sub-20mph speeds around schools and that speed was a factor in 3 – 8% of overall incidents. It was noted that local Schools such as St John’s and Sevenoaks primary had previously implemented 20mph zones and Sevenoaks Town Council (STC) supported the implementation of 20mph speed limits around schools and in residential areas.

Some Members suggested that the scheme should consider the consultation responses carefully and in particular the objections and comments from residents who lived in the area as opposed to visitors from other areas. Other Members expressed concern over considering some responses more than others.

Members discussed the implementation of the Sevenoaks Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) and how this would co-ordinate with the proposal for a further cycle lane on Dartford Road. The Sevenoaks East/West Safe Cycling & walking route had received funding and was undergoing  ...  view the full minutes text for item 15.

The Board considered a report for applications for disabled persons parking bays (DPPBs). The Board was asked to note the applications that did not meet KCCs assessment criteria and advise on how to proceed with regards to the application in High Street, Penshurst which had received an objection.

Members discussed the report and associated appendices and asked questions around the application in High Street, Penshurst. The Senior Traffic and Parking Engineer (SDC) confirmed that the unrestricted parking on that section of the High Street was in high demand. The nearby ‘school keep clear’ road markings encroached into the layby and the Officer would liaise with KCC to see if that section could be relocated to create additional parking space in the layby.

Public Sector Equality Duty

Members noted that consideration had been given to impacts under the Public Sector Equality Duty.

          Resolved: That

a)        the applications for DPPBs in Chestnut Close, Edenbridge, Saxon Place, Horton Kirby and Wested Lane, Swanley which did not meet KCC’s assessment criteria be noted; and

b)        as no representations were received for the application in Porchester Close, Hartley, an interim parking bay be marked; and

c)        the objection received for High Street, Penshurst be overruled and an interim parking bay be marked.

The Board considered a report which provided an update on the identified schemes approved for construction in 2022/23 with the Highway Manager (KCC) giving any relevant updates on the schemes listed.

Members asked questions of clarification on the approved schemes.

The Highways Manager (KCC) confirmed that the planned schemes were due for delivery in the next financial year and other schemes may be added for the next meeting.

Members raised a typographical error on page 138 of the agenda which should read A20 London Road / Button Street Farningham.

Resolved: That the report be noted.

The Board considered a report which provided an update on a proposal submitted for consideration by a Local District Council Member. The proposal sought to stop the right turn movement from High Street (A225) into Rockdale Road after traffic concerns were raised by residents. The proposal would be considered by KCC and the Local Member would be contacted directly.

          Resolved: That the report be noted.

The Board considered a report which provided an update on a proposal submitted for consideration by a Local District Council Member. The proposal sought to make ingress into and egress out of Knole Lane (junction with high street) left turn only which meant that cars would not cross traffic at a busy part of the high-street. The proposal would be considered by KCC and the Local Member would be contacted directly. The National Trust had also altered their booking systems to reduce the amount of traffic in the high street. 

          Resolved: That the report be noted.

Members noted the work plan with the following addition:

7 March 2023

• Report of the Sevenoaks Town Wide 20mph Working Group