The Joint Transportation Board discussed concerns regarding Cornford Lane, including proposals for a reduced speed limit and vehicle access restrictions. The Board noted the results of a consultation on proposed parking restriction changes on York Road and Dudley Road but recommended against implementing them due to a very limited response. The Board also received an update on active travel projects across the borough.

Cornford Lane Speed Limit and Access

Residents and local councillors voiced significant concerns about safety and traffic issues on Cornford Lane. While supporting Kent County Council's proposal to reduce the speed limit from 60mph, speakers argued that a 30mph limit would still be too high. They advocated for a 20mph limit and a prohibition of motor vehicles, except for essential access, citing the lane's narrowness, blind bends, and lack of space for pedestrians, cyclists, and horse riders. Data from a 2019 survey indicated that a majority of vehicles exceeded high speeds on the lane, posing a danger to vulnerable users. Residents also highlighted issues with the volume, size, and weight of vehicles, leading to gridlock, road damage, and environmental harm, exacerbated by sat-nav systems directing traffic through the lane.

The proposal for an access only restriction was presented as a low-cost measure to deter unnecessary through traffic while maintaining access for residents, visitors, and emergency services. Speakers emphasised the potential of Cornford Lane as a historic and scenic route, currently avoided by locals due to its condition, and suggested it could become a valuable asset for connecting residents with the countryside.

Julian Cook, Highways Manager for Kent County Council, presented the Highway Works Programme report. He confirmed that a suggestion for full resurfacing of Maidstone Road in Brenchley had been made, but this would require capital bids and currently had no completion date. He also noted a typo in the report regarding Rusthall Road in Paddock Wood, which should have referred to Rusthall. The report was noted by the Board.

Parking Consultation for York Road and Dudley Road

The Board considered the results of a formal consultation on proposed changes to parking restrictions in York Road and Dudley Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells. Nick May, Parking Manager, reported that despite statutory notification processes, only four responses were received, all supporting the proposals. However, a 25% response rate from residents was required to progress with the changes. Councillor Rob Wormington, as Portfolio Holder for Transport and Sustainability, stated he could not support the implementation of the changes due to the lack of public engagement. The Board noted the consultation results and recommended against implementing the proposed changes due to the very limited response.

Active Travel Update

Chloe Rutland, Senior Sustainable Transport Officer, provided an update on active travel projects. Funding has been secured for the first phase of the Langton Green to Rusthall Commons active travel route, with construction due to begin later in the year. Further design and stakeholder engagement are underway for other sections of this route, with public engagement events planned for September.

The council has also received funding for new secure bike storage hangars, with two to be installed in Royal Tunbridge Wells town centre soon, and another planned for Paddock Wood. Additional funding from Active Travel England will support further design and engagement on various projects, including Safer Routes to School initiatives in St John's and St James Wards, the Crosstown route across the town centre, and a route between Royal Tunbridge Wells Station and Hawkenbury Village. Funding has also been earmarked for design improvements along the A26 active travel corridor.

During the discussion, members raised the possibility of using U-shaped Sheffield stands for cycle storage in addition to the bulkier hangars, particularly in Paddock Wood, and discussed potential locations for these. There was also discussion about the engagement process for the first phase of the Rusthall High Street construction and the need for clear communication with residents.

Update on Electric Vehicle Infrastructure

Kent County Council officers were unavailable to present the report on the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Project and other EV charging infrastructure. Questions were noted and will be forwarded to officers for comment, including queries on site prioritisation, the distribution of charging points between rural and town areas, and charging tariffs. Responses will be circulated to members once received.

Topics for Future Meetings and Any Other Business

A suggestion was made to merge the Joint Transportation Board with the Public Transport Forum to consolidate discussions on transport matters. While acknowledging the potential overlap and value, concerns were raised about the length of meetings. The potential impact of Local Government Reorganisation on the council's working methods was also noted.

Under Any Other Business, County Councillor Martin Brice raised the issue of traffic disruption caused by utility companies, particularly emergency works. He highlighted upcoming major gas works on Upper Grosvenor Road and the challenges of balancing essential infrastructure maintenance with public inconvenience.