This report provided details of a proposed reduction in the speed limit from 30mph to 20mph in numerous residential roads in the Queenborough and Halfway Ward, and the results of the statutory consultation.

The Schemes Planning and Delivery Manager reported that there had been seven notifications of objection and 34 in support of the scheme.  She clarified that the £50,000 funding noted in paragraph 1.1 of the report was for county-wide schemes.

A Ward Member reported that the majority of residents were in favour of the scheme and residents in other locations had requested similar initiatives.  He asked how much funding this particular scheme was receiving.  The Ward Member suggested other streets that needed traffic calming; these included Holmside Avenue, Adelaide Gardens and Southdown Road.  He considered all of Queenborough should be restricted to 20mph.

Members raised points which included:  supported 20mph on all side roads, but not main roads, as this would make it more expensive; this would help Queenborough residents and improve air quality; suggested a working group for the whole of Swale; 20mph would work well in Queenborough, including the main thoroughfare; this would be difficult to police; was unsure of the reduction in pollution when roads became 20mph zones; this would be more difficult to install in Halfway; not sure if it was appropriate to have 20mph on the A250; zones should be created with entrances to reduce signage costs; not everyone would comply with 20mph; and there was five times less chance of being killed when a 20mph restriction was in place.

In response to questions, the Schemes Planning and Delivery Manager explained that there was £10,000 funding for this scheme.  The roads within the scheme were not chosen at random but were data driven and roads were chosen where the mean speed was already 24mph or less, so signage was reasonably inexpensive.  She acknowledged the idea of expanding the zone, but this would mean adding expensive traffic calming measures, and it might not be appropriate to install traffic calming measures in the suggested additional roads.  In response to further questions, the Schemes Planning and Delivery Manager advised that the £10,000 was towards the cost of the design, survey, signs and posts, and lines on the roads, including roundels.  She agreed to forward information on the traffic speed survey to the Board.

Kent County Councillor Bowles moved the following motion: that 20mph be installed for the whole of Queenborough, as suggested by the Ward Member, and the Halfway part be deferred for further information.  This was seconded by Councillor Mike Baldock.

A Ward Member considered that by extending the zone, the signage could be reduced from 11 to three.  He suggested the A250 remained as it was, due to parked cars and the unsuitability for installing humps because it was on a bus route.  He considered the Halfway option should remain as noted in the report.

The Schemes Planning and Delivery Manager advised that funding for the scheme was available until March 2018.  She stated that the roads not included were those where the mean speed was not under 24mph, and it would not be appropriate to run-out 20mph when the current speed was 30mph.  She stated that it was possible to see whether there were other roads that could be included in the scheme.

The Schemes Project Manager explained that public perception was that changing a road from 30mph to 20mph automatically made the road safer.  There was a need to ensure the reality met the perception, and where mean speeds were above 24 mph traffic calming measures were put in place to force a reduction in speed.  On a 20mph road, the behaviour of the user groups changed and sometimes led to drivers taking more risks.

Members made further comments which included:  trials needed to be carried out; some documents stated that traffic calming increased pollution; and if we hesitated we might jeopardise the funding; needed to do this now, and consider other roads later.

On being put to the vote, all were in favour of the first proposal for Queenborough, and the Halfway option be as noted in the report, with the addition of St Katherine Road, Danley Road and Filer Road, if possible, with other potential roads to come back to the next meeting of the Board.

Recommended:

(1)          That 20mph be installed for the whole of Queenborough, and the Halfway option be as noted in the report, with the addition of St Katherine Road, Danley Road and Filer Road, if possible,with other potential roads to come back to the next meeting of the Board.