The Joint Transportation Board received and noted updates on the Kent Bus Service Improvement Plan, camera enforcement of bus gates, highways works, and parking and waiting restrictions. They also discussed the management of utility companies and their road closures.

Kent Bus Service Improvement Plan

The board discussed an update on the Kent Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) and the National Bus Strategy. Disappointment was expressed over the fact that Kent County Council (KCC) only received £35 million from the Department for Transport (DfT) after bidding for £235 million. The funding will be used to support a number of initiatives, including the installation of real-time running information screens at Ashford International train station and on Park Street. KCC also confirmed that they had deployed cameras for bus lane enforcement at Sackville Crescent and Beaver Road. A question was raised about whether any of the bus routes were funded by Section 106¹ money from developers and were at risk. The Chair highlighted that there was a Section 106 pot of money from the Ashford Hospital site on Kings Avenue of approximately £44,000 that could be used to support the G line bus route.

Highways Works Programme

The board discussed the Highways Works Programme Update Report, which included a number of schemes that are planned for delivery in the Ashford district.

A Member asked why temporary traffic lights were not used instead of road closures. Jamie Cunningham, from KCC Highways, explained that road width and consequently the safety of the team working on site and safety of the public passing by the works had to be the primary consideration. If the road wasn't wide enough for temporary traffic lights to be set up then road closures were the safest option in conjunction with health and safety legislation.

A number of specific road maintenance issues were raised, including:

• The need for resurfacing repairs on Appledore Road and Smallhythe Lane.
• An issue with articulated lorries using Magpie Hall Road and having to reverse back up the road due to inadequate signage by a utility provider.
• Problems with foreign lorries accessing Church Lane in Sevington and causing damage to properties.
• Faulty street lights at Singleton Lake.
• A request to bring forward plans to reduce the speed limit along Chilmington Green Road from 60 mph to 40 mph.
• A query about plans for safe walking and cycling access along Mock Lane to Chilmington Primary School.

A KALC representative raised a query asking for data on how many lorries had violated the Operation Brock rules and how many fines had been issued.

Finally, an update on Hoads Wood was provided. The Environment Agency (EA) had obtained a restraining order from Folkestone Magistrates Court that forbade anyone entering a part of the wood without written permission from the EA. A topographical survey of the illegally dumped waste was to take place and sampling would be carried out by approved contractors. The results would be shared at a public meeting and removal works were expected to start in spring 2025. KCC Highways noted that they would need to be aware of the increased volume of construction traffic during that time.

Parking and Waiting Restrictions

The board discussed the Parking and Waiting Restrictions Update, which included a number of schemes that are currently being progressed by Ashford Borough Council’s Parking Service.

The board was asked for their views on whether to take a proposed residents' parking scheme on the Croudace development to a full public consultation. The scheme would allow only residents and their visitors to park on the development's streets.

An update was given on Traffic Regulation Order Amendment 14, which formalises the remaining disabled persons parking bays and makes it possible to issue Penalty Charge Notices on vehicles abusing these bays.

An update was also provided on Traffic Regulation Order Amendment 16, which introduced new ‘No waiting’ restrictions in South Willesborough. Lining work is due to take place and enforcement will begin shortly.

Finally, it was noted that the new parking machine to handle free parking sessions for customers of Tenterden Leisure Centre went live on 1 October 2024 and had been very successful.