Leader

Cabinet considered the report of the Chief Executive and the Leader, which asked Cabinet to enable further background work to be undertaken by officers to identify whether there were any opportunities to avoid the inappropriate lorry parking on both the strategic highway network as well as locally in unsuitable commercial and residential locations. 

The Leader introduced the report and spoke about the damaging effect of inappropriate parking of lorries in laybys and slip roads across Swale.  The Leader reported that Canterbury City Council were experiencing similar issues and he had met with their Leader and senior officers to explore potential solutions, and also attended a meeting between Canterbury City Council, Highways England and Kent County Council (KCC) and whilst discussions were at a preliminary stage, he was confident that due to the business case that had been produced the proposal would be progressed.   The Leader stated that a similar report had recently been approved by Canterbury City Council’s Policy and Resources Committee.  The Leader endorsed the report and proposed the recommendation.

Members welcomed the report and spoke about the importance of addressing the issue, particularly at Brenley Corner and along the A249.  Some lorries were even parking on the hard shoulder of the motorway which was unacceptable and dangerous.  A Member queried why KCC Highways and Transportation had not dealt with the problem, and that the Leader continue to liaise with the Cabinet Member for Highways and Transportation about the issue.

A Member noted that the report spoke about the implications of the proposal and referred to ‘reasonable financial payback and return on investment’.  He stated that Members should not only consider any cash return but also the community value which he considered made it the right thing to do.  The Chief Financial Officer clarified that officers at Swale would provide a full costed business case, and the financial implications would be reported to Members. 

In response to a query from a Member, the Leader stated that the issue was only now being looked at due to a change in Government attitude to enforcement.. 

Resolved:

(1)       That authority be given to officers to explore further with Canterbury City Council, Kent County Council and Highways England potential options for lorry parking within Swale.