The Joint Transportation Board discussed concerns regarding the safety and maintenance of Cornford Lane, with residents expressing dissatisfaction with Kent County Council's proposed solutions. The board also reviewed the progress of parish highway improvement projects, noting that most applications have been approved, and received an update on active travel initiatives, including designs for new cycle routes and the installation of secure bike hangars in Royal Tunbridge Wells town centre.

Cornford Lane Safety Concerns

Residents voiced significant concerns about the safety and ongoing damage to Cornford Lane, criticising Kent County Council's (KCC) proposed signs and lines scheme as ineffective and a waste of funds. David Edmonds, a resident, stated that the scheme felt rushed and poorly thought through and did not address the real safety risks. Howard Mackenzie echoed these sentiments, highlighting that KCC's plan was little more than a maintenance exercise for existing signs and proposed replacing a 60mph speed limit sign with another 60mph sign, which he described as an astonishing lack of attention to detail. Gary Palmer detailed a history of KCC's failed and failing attempts at maintenance, noting that the lane's physical structure is being severely damaged by current traffic use, leading to ongoing financial costs. Residents are requesting KCC to suspend further work on the signs and lines scheme and to engage in meaningful dialogue with residents and board members to develop effective solutions. Councillor Martin Brice, Chair of the Joint Transportation Board, acknowledged that discussions around Cornford Lane are ongoing with KCC officers and that a substantive report will be brought to a future meeting.

Parish Highway Improvement Projects

The board noted the grants being offered by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (TWBC) for highway improvement projects requested by parishes. Jane Fineman, Head of Finance, Procurement and Parking, reported that all parishes except Frittenden had submitted bids, with most projects being approved. Councillor Claudine Russell expressed disappointment with the process, citing poor communication and short timelines that prevented some parishes from undertaking more impactful projects. She highlighted that some parishes with small schemes had received funding, while others with potentially more beneficial, larger-scale projects were unable to participate. Rob Wormington, Cabinet Member for Environment & Sustainability, acknowledged that communication could have been clearer and that timelines were challenging due to limited council resources. He expressed pride in being able to offer funding that would not have otherwise been available to parishes. Parish Councillor Charles Mackonochie suggested that future schemes should allow for flexibility, as some parishes had oven-ready projects that were not the most beneficial once new funding opportunities arose.

Active Travel Update

Hilary Smith, Economic Development Manager, provided an update on active travel projects. Detailed designs for Phase 1 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 to extend the 20mph speed restrictions in Rusthall High Street. Additional funding has been secured for detailed designs for a further phase of the route between Langton Green and Rusthall.

Two locations have been identified for secure bike hangars in Royal Tunbridge Wells town centre: The Pantiles and a cut-through area between Crescent Road car park and Monson Road. These are intended for short-term visitor parking and will be operated via a mobile phone app. Installation is anticipated for May/June.

Furthermore, £20,000 in 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 remain involved and engage with head teachers. Councillor Simon Davidson inquired about the timeframe for the St John's school project, and Hilary Smith indicated that design work would commence shortly, with the aim of submitting bids for implementation funding thereafter. Councillor Claudine Russell raised the issue of graffiti on existing cycle storage and asked about the possibility of using anti-graffiti paint. Rob Wormington supported this suggestion and also proposed a Tunbridge Wells maroon colour for future installations.

Highway Works Programme

Julian Cook, Highway Works Manager for KCC, presented the regular Highway Works Programme report. Councillor Simon Davidson asked for updates on the CCTV investigation in Palletwood, and Julian Cook confirmed 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. No other significant questions were raised regarding the report.