Mr
Stuart Watson, Planning Officer Strategic Planning, gave a
presentation outlining the Council’s proposed response to the
Kent County Council (KCC) consultation on Rural Transport in
Kent.
It was
noted that the consultation had not outlined a preferred approach
and as such concerns were raised about the viability, cost
effectiveness and long term sustainability of the services
proposed. The example was given of community mini bus services,
some of which were struggling to survive.
The
Committee highlighted that the accessibility of bus stops, as well
as the accessibility of smaller buses should be referred to in the
consultation response. Concerns were raised that although smaller
buses are often Disability Discrimination Act compliant, they can
still be more difficult to board than a regular bus.
The
Committee requested that the points raised above be reflected in
the consultation response.
RESOLVED:
That,
subject to the amendments requested by the Committee, the responses
set out in paragraphs 1.12 to 1.17 be
agreed as a basis for the Council’s response to Kent County
Council.
Voting: Unanimous