The Road Safety Engineering Team Leader at KHS gave a presentation about the possible removal of railings. Road safety was her priority in these proposals. There had not always been a clear reason why the barriers had been installed in the first place.

There was no funding for immediate implementation of the proposals. However there were alternative ways to bring them in such as gradually removing barriers at the end of their natural life rather than replacing them.

She wanted to listen to Members’ views so they could be fed back into the process. Updated proposals were then to be submitted to the next Joint Transportation Board. If Members were interested in site visits they could inform Democratic Services who could co-ordinate the requests.

Site 1

Several Members were concerned that removal of the barriers would affect  the character of the area; the railings were not merely utilitarian. The Chairman informed Officers that they may be historic and should be looked at in that light.

Members thought the barriers were helpful to guide school children in the area, especially while they waited for buses. They also felt the report should focus on the elderly, as well as children, because of the proximity of the almshouse.

Site 2

The Chairman understood barriers in this area were used to chain up bicycles. He stated that the railings would not be removed until Network Rail had provided sufficient storage places for bicycles. A Member of the public thought this important and one Member thought Officers may wish to get in contact with Network Rail or Southeastern to ensure they increase bicycle storage, possibly when the station is refurbished.

A member of the public was concerned by the number of people walking on the wrong side of the barriers. Another informed the board that following a survey 77% of respondents wanted the barriers removed from the area.

A Member thought Officers should consider the impact of vehicles entering and exiting the new development nearby. The Chairman was concerned that removal of all the barriers on the station side of the road may lead to an increase in cars dropping people off inappropriately at the station entrance rather than using the appropriate drop-off points. He felt this may lead to increased congestion on the road due to cars backing-up out onto the main road.

Members agreed they were in favour of the proposals subject to sufficient bicycle storage and that the station entrance does not become blocked with cars dropping people off.

Site 4

A Member was particularly concerned by this junction and thought it potentially dangerous for pedestrians to cross. It was thought the junction should be looked at as a whole. Members of the public, including a representative of the Town Council, agreed that it was dangerous and that the barriers sometimes stopped people reaching the traffic island. The Road Safety Engineering Team Leader said the difficulty with pedestrians crossing would be passed to the relevant officer.

The Chairman looked forward to receiving the complete report in due course.