The Kingston and North Kingston Neighbourhood Committee approved the expansion of a 20mph zone on Kingston Hill and allocated £160,000 for the refurbishment of public toilets at Queen's Promenade. The committee also approved two community grant applications, one for Namaste Kingston CIC and another for Voices of Hope's BRITE Box project.

20mph Extension on Kingston Hill Approved

The committee approved the implementation of a 20mph speed limit extension on Kingston Hill, despite some objections. The decision to set the transition point from 30mph to 20mph at 150 metres east of Warren Road was made at a previous meeting. While some comments suggested the change would lead to increased congestion and pollution, the committee was informed there was no evidence to support these claims. Enforcement of the new speed limit will be a matter for the Police. The committee also noted that signage and cameras had been installed in error by the contractor and requested information on any fines issued and confirmation that the cameras would be calibrated to the correct speed.

Queen's Promenade Public Toilet Refurbishment Funded

A significant allocation of £160,000 from the Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL) was approved for the refurbishment of public toilets at Queen's Promenade. The NCIL is a charge applied to new developments to support infrastructure needs, with 15% of the levy allocated to the associated neighbourhood. This project had been deferred from a previous meeting pending the exploration of alternative options. The committee heard from an applicant and a representative from the Friends of Queen's Promenade group before unanimously approving the funding.

Community Grants Approved

Two applications for Neighbourhood Community Grants (NCGs) were approved. Namaste Kingston CIC received £3,000 to support their South Asian Heritage Month activities, which will include three events in July and August. The committee noted the group's aim to reach out to borough-wide residents and encouraged them to work with Refugee Action.

Voices of Hope was also granted £3,000 for their BRITE Box project, which provides weekly meal kits to families at risk of food insecurity or other vulnerabilities throughout the 2024/25 school year. The committee discussed how families are identified, confirming that recipients are Kingston residents and that schools with a high percentage of free school meals, along with family support workers, are involved in the selection process. Councillor Emily Davey offered to cover a £159 shortfall in funding for the project using her Councillor Ward Funding.

Traffic Management Order Objections Considered

The committee considered objections to a Traffic Management Order (TMO) concerning parking restrictions in various locations. For Tudor Drive, the proposal was to remove a parking space and install double yellow lines. An objection was raised due to limited parking in the area. The committee expressed concern that the suggested changes would not address the issues and, after proposing an amendment, upheld the objection for Tudor Drive.

Regarding Downhall Road, the proposal was to install a coach parking bay. The objection related to the bay's criteria not matching the needs of a local hotel. The committee was informed that the bay is on a public highway and cannot be restricted solely for hotel use, but that the situation would be reviewed and feedback sought from the hotel after implementation. The committee noted the objections and comments for Downhall Road and approved the TMO for that location, with objectors to be informed.

Other Business

The committee also appointed Councillor Olly Wehring as Chair and Councillor Anne Owen as Vice Chair for the Municipal Year until the first ordinary meeting of the 2025-2026 Municipal Year.

During Public Question Time, a resident raised concerns about an Experimental Traffic Management Order (ETMO) in Kings Road and New Road, suggesting it had created a rat run on New Road. They were informed that their comments would be considered for a report to the September meeting, and that the current ETMO would not be changed mid-way through the trial period. Another resident inquired about the process for considering the King's Road and New Road ETMO in September, and was assured that all comments and feedback would be included in the report and that resident comments would be permitted.

Three petitions were submitted: one requesting a trial Low Traffic Neighbourhood in Manorgate Road and Wolverton Avenue; another seeking measures to stop through-traffic using Brunswick Road as a shortcut; and a third requesting a trial closure of Wolverton Avenue. All petitions were received and will be dealt with in accordance with the Petition Scheme.

The committee also noted the response to a petition regarding the 'King's Road and New Road Proposed Traffic Scheme'. A resident spoke to express concerns about how this petition and the prior consultation had been handled, and was informed that the petition would be considered for the upcoming report.

A verbal update from the Neighbourhood Manager detailed the activity of the Rangers for the first six months of 2024, highlighting tasks completed in hotspot inspections, graffiti removal, and fly-poster removal. The committee also received a Decision Progress Update, which was noted. Apologies for absence were received from several councillors. There were no declarations of interest. The minutes of the previous meeting held on 26 March 2024 were approved as a correct record.