The Cabinet Member for Economy and Property introduced the report which restated the scale and extent of the problem of lorry parking in the Borough, and considered whether the Council should continue to engage with partners, in respect of identifying potential options for lorry parking.  The Member proposed the recommendations.

The Cabinet Member spoke about the pilot enforcement scheme in Ashford which had now concluded, and considered that a county-wide scheme was required.  She explained that resolving the problem was a priority of Swale Council and considered that lobbying central Government for a solution was the way forward.

The Economy and Community Services Manager considered that enforcement and lorry parking were symbiotic, but really it was a Secretary of State issue.

A Member agreed that it was a county-wide issue but given the problems of lorry parking in Swale asked that it remained as a high priority for the Council. 

The Cabinet Member for Economy and Property explained that she would be happy to draft a cross-party letter to the Secretary of State asking for a Kent Wide Scheme.  The Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance suggested a way forward may be to put in a motion to the Secretary of State.

A Member welcomed the report, and in particular recommendation (2).  He considered a lorry park close to Brenley Corner at this time could have an adverse impact on potential improvements to Junction 7 of the M2.  

Resolved:

(1)      That the Council maintains its dialogue with the Highway Authorities and other relevant stakeholders to help develop a set of actions to help address lorry parking in the Borough, but would wish to see this come forward as part of a wider strategy for Kent.

(2)      That the Council will not pursue any specific proposals to identify a site for lorry parking close to Brenley Corner.