The Joint Transportation Board met on Monday 20 April 2026 to discuss a range of highway and active travel initiatives. Key decisions included noting the allocation of grants for parish highway improvement projects and reviewing updates on active travel routes and secure bike parking facilities. The board also heard concerns regarding the safety and maintenance of Cornford Lane.

Cornford Lane Safety Concerns

Residents and speakers expressed significant concerns about the ongoing safety issues and lack of effective action regarding Cornford Lane. David Edmonds described the current scheme presented by KCC Highways as rushed and poorly thought through, failing to address genuine safety risks and lacking meaningful resident engagement. Howard Mackenzie highlighted that despite a unanimous JTB agreement nine months prior to develop a solution, KCC Highways had produced a plan that was little more than a maintenance plan for existing signs and contained at least five major errors. Gary Palmer detailed the physical deterioration of the lane due to inappropriate traffic, noting repeated KCC maintenance efforts that had not resolved the underlying problems. He stated, It's blatantly obvious that the current traffic use is continually severely damaging the lane. Speakers urged the board to suspend further work on the current signs and lines proposal, insist on KCC Highways working with residents and JTB members to review all proposals, and agree on a way forward. The Chair noted that discussions around Cornford Lane were ongoing with KCC officers and that a substantive report would be brought to a future JTB meeting.

Parish Highway Improvement Projects Grants

The board noted the grants being offered by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council for highway improvement projects requested by parishes. Jane Fineman, Head of Finance, Procurement and Parking, confirmed that all parishes had submitted bids except for Frittenden, which was awaiting information from KCC. Councillor Mark Munday noted that for French Lee and Matthew Parish Council, the project should also include Castle Hill. Councillor Claudine Russell expressed confusion regarding Frittenden's status and highlighted that communication regarding the overall scheme had not been ideal, with short timelines and a lack of additional resources for KCC officers. She also pointed out that Sandhurst was not mentioned in the appendix, despite having a scheme. Rob Wormington, Cabinet Member for Environment & Sustainability, acknowledged that communication could have been clearer and that timelines were challenging, but expressed pride in offering support to parishes. He also noted that Frittenden was still in discussion with KCC. Parish Councillor Charles Mackonochie suggested that future schemes should allow for flexibility in project selection, rather than being restricted to existing Highway Improvement Plan (HIP) projects. Councillor Russell further elaborated on the logistical challenges for her division, which comprises seven parishes, and expressed disappointment that opportunities to link projects for greater impact across the division had been missed.

Active Travel Update

Hilary Smith, Economic Development Manager, provided an update on active travel projects. The detailed designs for phase one of the Langton-Rusthall Commons active travel route have been submitted to Active Travel England for funding, with a decision expected soon. A consultation is also underway for extending the 20mph speed limit in Rusthall High Street. Additional funding has been secured for detailed designs for a further phase of this route between Langton Green and Rusthall.

Two new locations have been identified for secure bike hangars in Royal Tunbridge Wells town centre: The Pantiles and the area between Crescent Road Car Park and Monson Road. These are intended for short-term visitor parking and are funded by Active Travel England and the Royal Tunbridge Wells Business Improvement District. Installation is anticipated for May/June.

Furthermore, additional funding has been allocated for detailed designs for safer active travel infrastructure around primary schools in the St John's and St James's areas. KCC will commission this work, with TWBC officers aiming to stay involved and engage with head teachers.

Councillor Simon Davidson inquired about the timeframe for the St John's school safety improvements, and Hilary Smith indicated that design work would begin shortly, with a meeting with KCC and consultants planned. Councillor Claudine Russell suggested using anti-graffiti paint for the bike hangars, a point that was well-received. Councillor Mark Munday asked if future hangar locations would be restricted due to the Business Improvement District's sponsorship, and it was confirmed that all options would be considered if the pilot proved successful. Councillor Brice expressed enthusiasm for the bike hangars and noted that the Langton to Rusthall route would not involve losing road space to cars, focusing instead on safety for cyclists and pedestrians.

Highway Works Programme

Julian Cook, Highway Works Manager at KCC, presented the regular Highway Works Programme report. Members had no questions regarding the report itself, with Councillor Pitts having asked her questions offline. Councillor Pitts did inquire about any updates to the report, particularly concerning CCTV investigation in Palletwood. Julian Cook stated that minor updates would be included in the next report, particularly regarding surfacing schemes, and that he would follow up separately on the drainage scheme.

The board noted the report, with no specific decisions made at this meeting regarding the highway works programme.

Topics for Future Meetings

The board discussed potential topics for future meetings. Rob Wormington commented on the note regarding budgetary constraints, suggesting that these are standard operating conditions for local government rather than exceptional times. The date of the next meeting was confirmed as Monday, 13 July 2026, at 6:00 pm, to be held via MS Teams.