To: Maidstone Joint Transport Board
By: Tim Read, Head of Transportation
Date: 22nd July 2015
Subject: Petitions Report B2010 and B2163 East and West Farleigh
Classification: For Information
Summary: The purpose of this report is to provide members with a progress report on petitions currently being considered by KCC Highways and Transportation
1.0 Petitions
Received
1.1 A petition
to reduce the existing speed limits on the B2163 and B2163 through East
Farleigh and West Farleigh, the petition comprised two separate petitions, one
from St Helens Montessori School, the other from the West Farleigh Road Action
Group.
2.0 Work
undertaken
2.1 Following
the last meeting of this board, members of the board resolved that KCC be
recommended to implement a 30mph speed limit for the B2010 and B2163 between
the existing 30mph limit at East Farleigh and the start of the existing 30mph
limit at Yalding.
2.2 Subsequent
to the meeting of the board officers made contact with the lead petitioner to
relay the recommendation of the board. It was evident from discussions that the
originator of the petition felt that what KCC had reported to the board was a
pragmatic way forward. The traffic survey data supported the suggested changes
previously reported, setting an artificially low limit on the sections with
driven speeds closer to 40mph could lead to noncompliance and reduce the
effectiveness on those sections recommended for reduction 30mph.
2.3 In
order to avoid further delay the lead petitioner contacted the Local Member for
the area who had previously agreed to part fund the scheme from her Combined
Members Grant.
2.4 The Cabinet
Member for Highways was consulted with regard to these developments and has
agreed that the Statutory consultation should proceed as proposed previously.
2.5 As a result of all of these discussions, the speed limit reduction will now be advertised for consultation in line with the previously submitted report to the April meeting of this board.
Contact Officer: Michael Heath
Tel: 03000 418181