The Folkestone and Hythe Joint Transportation Board met on 8 September 2025, and discussed the Highways Forward Works Programme, proposed parking restrictions, and various updates on ongoing projects. Councillor Peter Osborne was elected as Chair for the meeting due to technical issues preventing the Chair of the Joint Transportation Board from attending.

Highways Forward Works Programme

James Bowen, the Highways Officer, presented the Highways Forward Works Programme for 2024/25 and 2025/26, inviting comments from the board members. The programme includes several appendices detailing specific schemes:

• Appendix A: Road, Footway and Cycleway Renewal and Preservation Scheme
  • Regarding Romney Avenue, a board member asked for a programmed date for the works. James Bowen said that he would request an update and inform the board members.
  • The board previously expressed appreciation for the 'Road Asset Renewal Scheme' for Romney Avenue at the meeting held on 7 July 2025.
  • At the 7 July meeting, a board member asked why Sandgate High Street was not included in the resurfacing list. Officers said that the works are programmed for April 2026, and that Romney Avenue was prioritised due to numerous enquiries.
• Appendix D: Transportation and Safety Schemes - Casualty Reduction Measures
  • A board member requested an update on the installation of a direction sign on Cherry Garden Avenue. James Bowen confirmed that he would request an update to share with the board members.
  • The board noted the proposed works for Cherry Garden Avenue at the 7 July meeting and asked for more information on the alternative designs.
• Externally Funded Schemes
  • A board member requested an update on the Shorncliffe Road Active Travel work. James Bowen confirmed he would request an update on this scheme.
  • A discussion took place regarding cycle lane work outside Morrisons, which had raised concerns among residents. It was clarified that the listed scheme related to crossing points.
• Major Capital Programme
  • Regarding the Folkestone: A Brighter Future work, a board member noted that tranche 6 would be considered at the Planning and Licensing Committee the following day, including the construction of a walking and cycling route and a bridge as part of the Shellon Street scheme. Funding was also allocated for bike shelters and cycle storage, but the locations were not yet known.
  • At the 7 July meeting, members raised points surrounding 'Folkestone A Brighter Future Project' including the communication with the Town Council, Kent County Council, and the Contractor, Jacksons.
• Appendix E: Developer Funded Works
  • A board member raised concerns about the condition of Cockread Lane near Ashford Lane, describing the road surface as dreadful, with lumps, bumps and potholes, making it unsafe to navigate. James Bowen confirmed that the Highway Steward for the area would visit the following day to assess the issues and that the street works officer would also visit the area.
  • Regarding the Cheriton High Street works, a board member asked if the developer had been engaging with the council regarding the audit and the bus shelter. James Bowen confirmed that the developer was aware that a safety audit needed to be completed and would confirm when this would be done. The developer would be instructed to install a standard bus shelter and pole.
  • At the 7 July meeting, members asked for an update on bus station installation at Cheriton High Street (Tesco / Horn Street).
  • At the 7 July meeting, members asked for an update on the demolished bus shelter along the A259 adjacent to Jefferstone Lane.
  • At the 7 July meeting, members continued to raise concerns surrounding the new traffic lights along Cheriton High Street near Tesco's.
• Appendix G: Traffic Systems
  • A board member inquired about the Blackbull Road item, and James Bowen confirmed that this was the work taking place opposite the school.
• Appendix H: Combined Members Grant – Member Highway Fund
  • A discussion took place about the process for KCC Member Highway Fund grants, and James Bowen clarified the contact point.
• Appendix I: Road Markings
  • A board member queried the progress of road markings work in Cherry Garden Lane. Another board member confirmed they were in contact with the appropriate officer and that the issue was being addressed, and would continue to follow up if there were no updates.
• Appendix J: Street Works
  • At the 7 July meeting, members raised concerns regarding the temporary repair outside the Plough in New Romney, and officers said they would pass this information onto the relevant team.

Proposed Parking Restrictions

Paul Thompson, Transportation Specialist FHDC, presented the proposals for parking restrictions in the district.

• A board member sought clarification on the difference between a bus stop and a bus stand. Paul Thompson explained that buses could be left unattended at a stand, whereas they must remain with the vehicle at a stop.
• A board member raised concerns about the number of motor homes parked in the Farthing Common car park. Paul Thompson agreed to contact the property repairs team to inquire about height restrictions. Another board member suggested that FHDC consider installing motor home parking bays in suitable car parks.
• A board member noted the presence of parking enforcement officers at the Cheriton school during pick-up time and the issuance of Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs), which he felt was unfair. The FHDC Cabinet Member for Transport, Regulatory Services and Building Control confirmed that enforcement officers would target areas where safety concerns had been raised.
• At the 7 July meeting, members thanked officers for the proposed ban along the High Street, Granville Parade, and Sandgate Esplanade.
• At the 7 July meeting, members asked for clarification as to whether the double yellow lines would be removed from outside property number 16 (Map 3 - Kent Road, Cheriton).
• At the 7 July meeting, members had strong support for the proposed restriction at Radnor Cliff (Map 4) and asked how quickly these restrictions could be implemented.
• At the 7 July meeting, members were in support of the proposed restriction along Beach Street in Folkestone (Map 5).