The Sevenoaks District Council Head of Environmental and Operational Services reminded Members that the proposals had been approved for implementation in March 2011 subject to consultation responses.

He brought Members’ attention to the strong support for the proposals in each of the 4 affected areas. Of the comments made many of them were outside the control of the District Council. Without Pay and Display charges the Council did not have sufficient funds to implement the proposals. The Council also had no control over the use of land for car parking which was privately held or outside the District.

The Chairman clarified that it would be simple for Members to reduce the current proposals but not to extend them. If the proposals were to be extended then further public consultation on an amended Traffic Regulation Order would be needed and it would be very unlikely the plans could be implemented before 2012.

A Member felt the plans might cause parking displacement and that the income raised would be excessive. The Officer emphasised that under legislation any income from pay and display would be ring-fenced for transport, parking and highway improvements, it would not go into the District Council’s general funds.

A local District Councillor, not on the Board, suggested that although consultation responses had been in favour of the proposals they also voiced concerns including about the pay and display charges and the lack of parking spaces. The Chairman of Halstead Parish Council added that he was concerned whether the restrictions would prevent local people from using the station.

Officers noted there was a significant incidence of car theft and damage in the area. They suggested that this may reduce if there is increased presence for the enforcement of the parking restrictions.

A Councillor from the London Borough of Bromley was also concerned by the possibility of displacement if there was less space for parking. He suggested that if more spaces were created under the plans then the District Council could raise more money.

He informed Members that it was possible other solutions could be found to the parking difficulties. His Council was taking more enforcement action against the waste-transfer company and this could allow space for Network Rail to provide parking spaces. His Council had also considered buying some of the nearby private land for use as additional parking and he confirmed that there were resources to do this.

The District Council Portfolio Holder for The Cleaner and Greener Environment believed the situation was deteriorating every time she visited. She felt it was preferable to implement the restrictions now and review them later.

A Member suggested that in the past it has been a successful practice to review the impact of such decisions after 6 months at which point further amendments could be made.

A motion was put that the current proposals be refused and that a new scheme be drawn up along the lines of the Parish Council’s suggestions.

The Head of Environmental and Operational Services advised the Board that as the District Council had already undertaken scheme preparation and public consultation on two occasions on behalf of Kent Highways, any further work to produce an amended scheme would need to be undertaken by the Highway Authority.

The Chairman of Halstead Parish Council responded to a Member that they wanted a scheme as soon as possible. He felt it important that the safety issue be addressed promptly. Officers confirmed to him that they intended to implement the current scheme by September 2011, if approved.

The motion did not carry.

Resolved:      That    the comments and objections to the on-street parking Traffic Regulation Order Amendment 10a be noted and that the proposals be approved for implementation with a review to be held 6 months after implementation.

The Chairman announced to the Board that the KHS Community Delivery Team Leader, Steve Smith, was to retire after many years attending the Board. The meeting thanked him for his work.

The Head of Transport and Planning at KHS, Ray Dines, was also to retire and the Chairman gave thanks for all his hard work over many years which was greatly appreciated. The Chairman’s comments were met with strong agreement by the Board.

Finally he welcomed back the new District Leader, Julian Cook.