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Maidstone Borough Council

Regeneration & Economic Development

Overview & Scrutiny Committee

Tuesday 31 January 2012

Traffic Congestion Review

Report of: Overview & Scrutiny Officer

 1.     Introduction

1.1        At the meeting of the Regeneration and Economic Development Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 1 June 2011, Members agreed to carry out an in-depth review of traffic congestion. 

1.2        The Committee agreed to focus its review on the following five main objectives:

·         To identify how to unlock the congestion and capacity of traffic in Maidstone town, by using best practice techniques investigating Chelmsford and other local neighbouring towns;

·         To investigate the consideration given to new developments by the planning authority in relation to traffic volume and road maintenance;

·         To look at the future as modern technology using electric cars will not solve the traffic congestion;

·         To establish ways to educate the residents to promote car sharing and public transport; and

·         To make recommendations as appropriate.

 2.     Recommendation

2.1              Members are recommended to consider the draft report of the Traffic Congestion Review and make amendments and suggestions as appropriate.  Furthermore Members are recommended to identify which of the public recommendations to put forward for consideration as part of the ‘Are we Listening?’ recommendation.

2.2    Following any requested amendments to the report, Members are recommended to approve this for submission to the appropriate Cabinet Member and external bodies.

3.      Impact on Corporate Objectives

3.1    The Strategic Plan 2011-15 states the Corporate Priority for “Maidstone to have a growing economy” with the outcome of “A transport network that supports the local economy”.