The Joint Transportation Board of Tonbridge and Malling Council discussed several key issues, including changes to on-street parking fees, a parking review for Kings Hill, and updates on the Parking Action Plan. Decisions were made to amend the Traffic Regulation Order to reflect these changes.

Parking Proposals and Changes to On-Street Parking Fees and Charges

The report of the Director of Street Scene, Leisure and Technical Services presented the outcomes of a formal consultation on changes to the Traffic Regulation Order regarding on-street parking fees and charges. The proposals included amendments to parking arrangements in Avebury Avenue, the introduction of charges to the High Street and Swan Street in West Malling, and changes to the loading bay in West Malling High Street.

Members did not support the D1 permit holder parking proposal for Iron, Steel, and Copper Houses in Avebury Avenue due to planning constraints. However, they agreed to introduce Pay and Display parking charges for up to 4 hours in West Malling High Street and Swan Street, with free parking for up to 1 hour. The new on-street fees and charges were approved as detailed in Annex 2 of the report.

Kings Hill Parking Review

The Board received an update on the recent formal consultation on a parking review for Kings Hill. The proposals aimed to maintain safe access through the estate for residents, public transport providers, and emergency services. It was recommended that the proposed restrictions be introduced as advertised, excluding the restrictions on Regent Way and Pearl Way.

Parking Action Plan - Phase 14

The report of the Director of Street Scene, Leisure and Technical Services covered the formal consultation stage of parking restriction proposals in Phase 14 of the Parking Action Plan. Following investigations at 32 sites across the Borough, 17 locations proceeded to formal consultation. The Board adopted the recommendations for these locations, including amendments to proposals for Cottenham Close, East Malling, and Branbridges Industrial Estate, East Peckham.

Parking Action Plan - Access Group 8

The Board reviewed the outcome of the formal consultation on proposals in Access Group 8, a subset of the Parking Action Plan. The streamlined process aimed to promote minor changes to the Traffic Regulation Order. The recommendations for each location in Access Group 8 were adopted and will be implemented where appropriate.

Highways Forward Work Programme 2023/24

The report of the Kent County Highways, Transportation and Waste summarised schemes programmed for delivery in 2023/24. Members sought updates on specific issues, including footway protection from No. 104 Sevenoaks Road to West Bank Lodge, flooding at the junction of London Road and New Road, and drainage issues on the High Street, Tonbridge, opposite Fuggles Beer Café.

Any Other Matters to be Raised

Members expressed disappointment that the internal bid for the off-road cycle path for the A26 Hadlow Road to Hadlow via the Local Transport Plan (LTP) budget was unsuccessful. They requested improved communication between Kent County Council and the Boards due to significant disruption caused by improvement works. Additionally, they suggested the provision of sub-committees to discuss matters related to the Highways Improvement Plan.