Report To: Joint Transportation Board
Date: 21st October 2009
Report Title: Fant Traffic Calming Scheme
Report Author: Ben Hilden
Summary:
As previously reported to this Board, as of part the Integrated Transport programme for Kent, Kent Highway Services (KHS) approved a scheme to install traffic calming in the Fant area. Following a recent public consultation and exhibition this report recommends to Members the scheme be progressed to detailed design and implementation.
Decision: Yes
Affected Wards: Fant Ward
Recommendations: Subject to the views of this Boards it is proposed that the scheme consulted on proceed to detailed design and implementation.
Financial Implications:
Funding has been secured for this scheme as part of the Integrated Transport Programmed for Kent for 2009/10 as previously reported to this Board.
Purpose of the Report
1. Members are recommended to support the Fant Traffic Calming scheme be progressed to detailed design and implementation following the public consultation and exhibition.
Background
2. Cllr Paine brought to the attention of KHS the need for highway improvements in the Fant area in February / March 2008. In September 2008 a public demonstration was held by local resident’s campaigning for improvements to road safety at the Fant Lane / Gatland junction. This was subsequently supported by the submission of a petition to KHS requesting measures to reduce traffic speeds and rat running in the Fant area. KHS investigated these issues carrying out traffic surveys and developed a scheme to tackle the problems highlighted by the local residents. Funding was then approved for the scheme as part of the Integrated Transport Programme for Kent 2009/10 at the March 2009 meeting of the Highways Advisory Board.
3. The scheme consists of speed cushions on Gatland Lane and Fant Lane together with a realignment of the Fant Lane / Gatland Lane junction. Waiting restrictions are also proposed as part of the scheme. Full details of the scheme can be seen on drawings attached to the report.
Consultation
4. This scheme was subject to a public consultation that was undertaken in August 2009. This included a letter drop to 600 residents of the Fant area inviting them to a 2 day public exhibition which was held at Fant Hall on the 7th and 8th August 2009. The consultation and scheme was supported by Cllr Daley (Allington), Cllr Beerling (Fant) and Cllr Paine (Fant) who were actively involved in the campaign for junction improvements and traffic calming.
5. The public exhibition had good attendance over the 2 day period and KHS were in attendance to answer resident’s queries on the proposed scheme. KHS received 60 responses in total from the public consultation. Residents were asked on the public consultation feedback forms to indicate whether or not they were in favour of the proposed scheme. 93% (56 in total) of the responses received answered yes to this question. The 5% (3 in total) who answered no did on the basis that the addition of cushions could cause damage to their vehicles. One response raised an issue not applicable to the scheme proposed. A number of the positive replies also identified slight amendments to the proposals which have been implemented into the scheme where appropriate.
Views of Local Members
6. Local Members consulted are in full support of the scheme.
Views of Statutory Consultees
7. Kent Police, other emergency services and Arriva (Local Bus Company) have not raised any objection to the proposed scheme.
Conclusion
8. Due to the overwhelming support of the scheme from local residents together with local Members it is recommended to this Board that the Fant Traffic Calming scheme, as consulted, be progressed to detailed design and implementation.
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Contact: Ben Hilden – Transportation and Development Control Engineer
Email: ben.hilden@kent.gov.uk
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