Agenda and draft minutes

There were no declarations of interest at the meeting.

To consider and approve the minutes of the meeting held on 9 September 2024.

The minutes of the meeting held on 9 September 2024, were submitted, and approved by the Chair.

A JTB Member requested and update in respect of Stagecoach attending a future meeting. The Chair advised that he thought this would be happening at the January meeting, but he would provide an update in due course.

This report provides an update and summarises schemes that have been programmed for delivery in 2024/25 and 2025/26.

James Bowen, Highways Manager for KCC, worked through the Highways Forward Works programme and the JTB Members commented on various matters, set out below.

Appendix A (Road, footway and cycleway renewal and preservation schemes)

·       No comments.

Appendix B  (drainage repairs and improvements)

·       Had the projects listed with October dates commenced as yet? The Highways Manager stated that it was likely that these were still in progress, but he would provide an update.

·       A Member requested that the drainage issues on the Stade be added to the programme. This was an urgent situation which was causing the fishing museum to flood. The Highways Manager agreed to arrange for this matter to be added.

Appendix C (street lighting)

·       Could a list of all lighting assets and who is responsible be provided? The Highways Manager agreed to look into this matter.

Appendix D (Transportation and safety schemes)

·       A Member asked in respect of the Pedestrian refuge islands in Cheriton High Street if this was part of the Active Travel scheme. The Highways Manager agreed to investigate.

·       A Member asked for an update in respect of the Active Travel Scheme outside Morrisons in Cheriton, and the works at the other end of the High Street which had been cancelled. The Highways Manager advised he would chase these up and provide an update.  Another Member highlighted safety concerns in respect of the cycle lane, and also further down the road, where the pavement was sticking out into the road and was not marked, and therefore difficult to see. The Highways Manager suggested that he would arrange for a steward to attend the site and consider these points.

·       A Member suggested that Active Travel be invited to attend a future meeting of JTB, perhaps at the same time as Stagecoach.

·       The Chair requested that the A259 Sandgate High Street be added as an externally funded works item. He hoped the scheme would be implemented in the spring of 2025.  

Appendix E (Developer funded works)

·       In respect of the Cheriton High Stret crossing, opposite Tesco, the situation was not safe, and it was unacceptable to leave as it presently was. The Highways Manager indicated he would arrange a site visit, which all members of the JTB would be able to attend.

Appendix F (Bridge works)

·       In respect of the Wenhams Lane Bridge, the lane had been closed for a year, and the work kept being delayed. The Highways manager agreed to contact the structures team for an update on this situation and would circulate the response.

Appendix G (Traffic systems)

·       When would the work to the traffic crossing at Blackbull Road be programmed in? It was not presently safe. The Highways Manager advised he would ask the travel systems team for an update in respect of the window for the works.

Appendix H (Combined Members grant – Member highway fund)

·       No comments.

Appendix I (Road markings)

·       It was noted that there was a backlog in respect of line marking projects. The Transportation Manager advised that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 39.

The Highways Manager introduced the policy, and advised that nothing had changed since the previous version provided.

Members commented on various aspects and made points including the following:

·       It was useful for all town and parish councils to check their salt bins and ensure they had sufficient supply.

·       What could town and parish council’s do if they required further salt supplies?

The Highways Manager advised that KCC supplied and delivered 1 tonne salt bags on an annual basis to all town and parish councils. The engineer has been in touch with all of the parish and towns in the district to check their requirements. He advised that if anyone had not received this contact, to let him know.  He also stated that there was an informal arrangement with the district council to deliver 20 tonnes of salt, which the cleansing operatives then used for footway clearing around the High Street areas.

As per the Board’s request from their previous meeting.

A discussion around town/parish Highway Improvement Plans.

A list of all Highway Improvement Plans presently in place in the district had been provided prior to the meeting.

A Member had asked whether there could be active encouragement for parishes and towns to create their own HIPs, and was there an option for KCC involvement in the process?

Members commented on various matters and made points including the following:

·       Smaller parishes might be concerned about the costs of any adjustments required.

·       Having a HIPs meant KCC were able to prioritise works in the area, and towns and parishes were not forced to pay to carry out the works.

·       It would be useful for all HIPs to be published in a common area.

·       KCC were the only authority to have adopted HIPs across the county, with 230 out of 310 towns and parishes having adopted HIPs. There had been some teething issues. KCC had carried out a Scrutiny Enquiry into the matter and the findings were still being reviewed.

·       Those who had completed a HIPs had found it valuable.

The Highways Manager noted the points made and agreed to feedback to KCC.