To: Maidstone Joint Transportation Board
By: Tim Read, Head of Transportation
Date: 24th October 2012
Subject: Freight Action Plan Report Update
Classification: Information only
Summary: This report is to update the board of the current progress to the Freight Action Plan in that made from the previous meeting.
The Freight Action Plan (FAP) went to public consultation between the 28th May and 23rd July 2012. The consultation was advertised online and notification of the consultation was forwarded to stakeholders including the Districts and Boroughs, Kent Association of Local Councils and Kent Police.
The majority of the responses received welcomed the FAP and in particular the emphasis on action and partnership working it contained. No significant changes were made to the Plan as a result of the consultation but a number of minor amendments were made. Following this consultation the FAP was formally approved at the Cabinet Committee held on the 20/09/2012.
A number of actions contained in the FAP are already underway including:
Lorry Watch:
Innovative partnership scheme involving KCC, Kent Police and Parish Councils. With the support of KALC a pilot scheme has been agreed for launch with Leeds and Langley in November. Discussion also taken place with other Parishes and additional launches expected to follow.
Freight Gateway:
Testing currently underway of this online journey planner aimed at the haulage industry. This website will allow the intelligent routing of vehicles taking their dimensions and Kent's highway restrictions into account. Once this is bug free a publicised launch will occur.
Signage:
Reviewing and amending signs in a number of locations where HGV signage is inadequate. In Maidstone these include Teston (focusing on Teston Bridge) and Langley (Horseshoes Lane / Leeds Rd).
Lorry Parking:
Engagement with HA over their proposals to close lay-bys on M2 (knock on effect for lorry parking in Kent). Also work begun (Transport Policy Team) on the feasibility of commercially run overnight Lorry Park locations.
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Contact officer: Daniel Sheppard
Tel: 08458 247800