The Gravesham Joint Transportation Board met to discuss highway maintenance and improvements in the borough. The board approved a report outlining various parking proposals and discussed issues regarding heavy goods vehicle (HGV) traffic and potholes in the area. They also received updates on the Highways Forward Works Programme and matters arising from previous meetings.

HGV Traffic in Chalk and Higham

The board addressed concerns about heavy goods vehicle (HGV) traffic through Chalk and Higham villages, specifically related to the site at the bottom of Queens Farm Road in Lower Shorne. Councillor Leslie Pearton reported that new signage directing HGVs had been installed, but one sign was obscured by bushes.

The discussion revealed that RS Skips was located at the site in question, and while Gravesham Borough Council was a stakeholder in the decision to allow them to locate there, the planning committee would have determined the agreement specifying vehicle types, movements, and directions. Councillor Pearton stated that the number of vehicles using the site, as observed during a Higham Parish Council lorry watch, exceeded the agreed-upon number of 75, with a count of 102 vehicles. He suggested that RS Skips had outgrown the site and needed to relocate. Councillor Tony Rana noted the presence of three other construction companies in the same area using the same roads.

The board agreed to:

• Request a copy of the original planning application for the site.
• Gather data on the number of vehicles using the site and driving through the villages.
• Organise a site visit to RS Skips involving representatives from Kent Police, RS Skips, KCC Planning, GBC Planning, other relevant KCC officers, Councillor Pearton, KCC Councillor County Georgia Foster and the Chair.

Potholes in Gravesend Town Ward

Councillor Lyn Milner reported on the disrepair of several roads in Gravesend Town Ward, identifying Grove Road, Barclay Road, Wilfred Street and Peacock Street as being in the worst condition. The Highways Manager Dartford and Gravesham (KCC) clarified that these issues needed to be reported through the KCC reporting portal to be investigated. He noted that some of the described conditions might qualify for immediate repair through the maintenance budget.

The Committee Services Officer provided a link to the KCC reporting tool: Report or track a problem on a road or pavement.

Parking Restrictions

The board approved the recommendations outlined in The Kent County Council (Various Roads, Gravesham) (Waiting Restrictions and Street Parking Places) (Consolidation) Order (Amendment No.2) Order 2025. These proposals include:

• Introducing 'No waiting at any time' restrictions (double yellow lines) in various locations to improve sightlines at junctions and ensure access to off-street parking.
• Introducing 'No loading Mon-Fri 8am-9:30am and 2:30pm-4pm' restrictions at the Park Avenue (Northfleet) / Dover Road East / Fiveash Road junction to improve safety during school pick-up and drop-off times.
• Shortening a shared use parking bay on Sheppy Place.
• Replacing existing 'no loading' restrictions on Parrock Street with 'No loading at any time' restrictions and introducing 'Disabled Badge Holders only' restrictions.
• Replacing existing 'no loading' restrictions on Lord Street with 'No loading at any time' restrictions and replacing a 'Disabled Badge Holders only' restriction with a 'goods vehicle loading only' restriction.
• Replacing an existing 'No waiting Mon-Sat 8am-6:30pm' restriction on Edwin Street with a shared use parking restriction.
• Replacing an existing bus stop on Old Road West, extending 'no waiting at any time' and 'no waiting Mon-Sat 8am-6:30pm' restrictions.

Highways Forward Works Programme

The Highways Manager Dartford and Gravesham (KCC) presented the Highways Forward Works Programme: 2024/25 and 2025/26, which provided an update on schemes and planned works.

Key items from the report included:

• Road, Footway & Cycleway Renewal and Preservation Schemes: Various resurfacing and reconstruction projects across the borough.
• Drainage Repairs & Improvements: Installation of new gully and pipework on Forge Lane in Higham, and drainage pipework repairs on High Street in Northfleet.
• Street Lighting Column Replacement: Replacement of structural signposts and lighting columns at various locations.
• Transportation and Safety Schemes: Including casualty reduction measures at Shorne Crossroads and signage rationalisation at the Peacock Street and Milton Road junction.
• Developer Funded Works: Various projects related to new developments, including the extension of a footpath on Truro Road and new access points.
• Bridge Works: Strengthening of the Vale Road Footbridge over the railway track in Northfleet.
• Road Markings: Renewal of road markings on Wrotham Road from Culverstone Green Primary School to Harvel Road.

During the discussion, Councillor Milner requested a review of streetlights on East Terrace and Terrace Street, and also raised the issue of blocked drains.

Matters Arising

The board reviewed outstanding actions from the previous meeting, as detailed in the Matters Arising from May 2025 document.

Key updates included:

• Hillingdon Avenue and Singlewell Road: This item was removed from Matters Arising as the section of the two roads was not categorised as a crash cluster site.
• Shorne Crossroads: Interim works had been completed, including new signage and action to disconnect the Vehicle Activated Sign (VAS).
• HGV Traffic Through Higham: New signage had been installed.
• Removal of Vehicle Activated Sign (VAS) in Sole Street: Traffic survey results indicated that average speeds were below 30mph, not justifying the cost of a new VAS.
• Traffic Monitors to be Installed: The Chair requested further exploration of options to improve safety.
• Double Yellow Lines in Marks Square, Northfleet: The double yellow lines were installed and would be enforceable from 29 August 2025.
• Ordnance Road/Chantry School Traffic Control: Councillor Milner requested that the speed limit on Ordinance Road outside Chantry School be reduced to 20mph.