The Joint Transportation Board discussed the Highway Works Programme, including concerns about speed limits on Cornford Lane, and considered proposals for parking in the St John's Road area. The board also reviewed updates on active travel projects and the addition of car club bays.

Highway Works Programme

The board received an update on the Highway Works Programme, which included a presentation from Julian Cook, Highways Manager for Kent County Council (KCC). A registered speaker, Howard Mackenzie, raised concerns about safety on Cornford Lane, advocating for a 20mph speed limit, particularly near Aspen's Care Home. He urged the board to formally include residents' evidence challenging a Highways Officer's reasons for not considering a 20mph limit in the meeting minutes. Mackenzie also proposed trialling a 20mph limit via an experimental regulation order.

During the discussion, Councillor Colin Sefton asked about Sandhurst Road being removed from the programme, which Julian Cook clarified was a removal from the current financial year and would be reassessed for the following year due to ongoing works. Questions were also raised about the Park and Ride for Tunbridge Wells Hospital, with officers stating they did not have details. Regarding Cornford Lane, it was confirmed that consultations had closed and the results would be collated and shared with local members and residents in due course. Councillor Lynne Darrah inquired about a new junction and footway link for a residential development on the land south of Brenchley Road in Horsmonden, which Julian Cook confirmed was for the Fernham Homes development. Discussions regarding Bassett's Farm were noted as ongoing. The report was noted by the board.

Parking in St John's Road Area

Nick Baldwin, Senior Traffic Engineer, presented a report on parking in the St John's Road area. He explained that over several years, there had been more requests for permit parking in this area than any other in the borough, although overall numbers were low. Previous informal consultations in 2008 and 2013 showed only around 10% support for the idea. The current Parking Strategy does not stipulate a specific threshold for triggering informal consultations. The board was asked to consider whether an informal consultation should take place.

During the discussion, the cost of a parking permit was clarified as £95 per year, which represented the full cost of delivering the enforcement service. Members expressed concern about the cost and the potential for residents to object to paying for parking they currently accessed for free. It was noted that the area was congested in the evenings, suggesting residents were the primary users of the parking. The cost of an informal survey was estimated at £5,000. Councillor Ellen Neville suggested that residents needed to be fully informed about the implications of permit parking. Ultimately, the board advised that a new informal consultation on the principle of permit parking should not be undertaken, and the Chair would continue discussions with officers and ward members, and residents would be kept informed.

Additional Car Club Bays - Traffic Regulation Order Consultation

Henry Saunders, Sustainability Manager, and Chloe Rutland, Senior Sustainable Transport Officer, presented a report on the consultation for three new car club bays in the Pantiles, Park, and St John's Ward. The car club, operated by Co Wheels, currently has 10 vehicles and has seen a 25% growth in membership over the last 13 months. The proposed new bays are located on Mount Sion, Prospect Road, and St Luke's Road.

The consultation received five responses, with four objections primarily concerning the loss of on-street parking and potential for increased traffic and displaced parking. However, officers highlighted that a key objective of the car club is to reduce private vehicle ownership and on-street parking demand. Research by the charity Como suggests that one car club vehicle can potentially take up to 20 private vehicles off the road. Due to an error in the consultation form, which failed to capture contact details for some respondents, a second consultation was proposed to ensure legal compliance. The board resolved to note the information, provide feedback on objections received, and delegate authority to the Chair to recommend whether the proposed Traffic Regulation Order should proceed following the second consultation.

Active Travel Update

Chloe Rutland presented an update on active travel projects, focusing on the Langton to Rusthall Commons route and secure bike hangars. Phase 1 of the route, focusing on Rusthall High Street, has been delayed and is now expected to commence construction in summer 2027 due to issues with the new highways framework contractor. This delay will allow for further engagement with local residents and businesses. Engagement for Phase 2 of the scheme, between Rusthall and Royal Tunbridge Wells, has concluded with largely positive feedback, particularly regarding safer routes to school.

Two secure bike hangars have been installed in Tunbridge Wells town centre, with over 40 bookings made since their installation in late July. A further hangar is planned for Paddock Wood. Members expressed frustration regarding the delays to the active travel route construction and the contractor issues, emphasizing the need for clear communication and accountability. The paper was for information only, discussion and feedback.

Topics for Future Meetings

No items were proposed for future meetings. The date of the next meeting was scheduled for Monday, 25 January 2027.