Sent: Thu 14/01/2016 11:12 Perhaps a safe cycle route along the A 20 may be considered as part of this survey Martyn

From: Offham Parish Council

Dear Elizabeth Elphick

Further to your letter requesting input, please find attached my thoughts from the Larkfield area if you require any further details please feel free to contact me.

Kind regards Mike Cllr Mike Parry-Waller. Larkfield North 01732 848924 07799 563285 Main points concerning traffic congestion A20/M20 through Larkfield 1. Traffic flow from A228 mainly from the Snodland area use both Lunsford Lane and New Hythe Lane via Leybourne Way to access A20 Road and M20 to . Historically this traffic used Castle Way Leybourne to access the A20 London Road until traffic calming was introduced in the area and the Roundabout on London Road was replaced by ineffective traffic lights. Due to the volume of traffic along these routes during rush both am and pm vehicles are at a standstill, compounded by the inefficient traffic light sequencing. 2. Considering the added development in the area of something in the region of 3,000 houses over the next 5 years, along with further light industrial and distribution units being planned for the 100 acre Aylesford Paper Mill site, without any further road systems being considered for a junction between 4 and 5 on the M20, even an exit only from the M20 into the Industrial area could lead to a 50 percent reduction of HGV’s using Leybourne Way this could save total gridlock. 3. Further crossing of the river Medway at Wouldham when open, will only compound the situation without a major rethink and taking traffic away from these residential areas. Another area that should be considered for speeding traffic up are the level crossings at Aylesford, why in this day and age are we still living with 19th century level crossings, put a tunnel in or build a bridge or move the rail track, you would be surprised at how this could affect the free flow of traffic in the area.

LEYBOURNE PARISH COUNCIL

Leybourne Village Hall, Little Market Row, Leybourne, ME19 5QL

Tel: 01732 873722

Email: [email protected]

A20 ROUTE STUDY – STAKEHOLDER FEEDBACK

This is the response from Leybourne Parish Council to your request of 27th January 2016.

INTRODUCTION

Although your letter states that the study is in relation to that section of the A20 between the A228 and the Coldharbour Lane junction it is our view that this is a short sighted restriction and that the whole length of the A20 from its junction with the M20 at through to the gyratory system in Maidstone must be considered.

A very common situation is congestion on the M20 between junctions 4 and 5/6. When this occurs, usually in the evening rush hour, a vast amount of traffic spills off the motorway and jams all surrounding roads. So common is this problem that a significant number of drivers, travelling in an easterly direct either on the M26 or M20 will, if it is 16:00 hours or later, leave the motorway at Wrotham and use the A20 rather than run the risk of becoming trapped on the M20.

A20 WEST OF THE A228

Most of the stretch of the A20 has a 50 mph limit and needless to say this is ignored with traffic travelling at much higher speeds. Accidents at higher speed invariably result is greater injury and damage.

Of particular concern to us is the junction at the entrance to the Leybourne Chase housing development. Originally this was to be a roundabout, but despite the opposition of the Parish Council, it was downgraded to its present T junction configuration. The residents are now paying the price for this in terms of the difficulties they encounter in attempting to leave and/or join the A20. The volume and speed of the traffic on the A20, particularly in the morning/evening peaks, presents residents, visitors and tradesmen with a risky manoeuvre – a serious accident waiting to happen, already an accident blackspot.

Solution – Re-instate the roundabout.

In places the A20 road surface is becoming very rough, probably due to the increase in traffic volumes.

A20 JUNCTION WITH BIRLING ROAD

This is a no entry into Birling Road, which is one way for a short stretch. A current problem here is that vehicles continue to ignore the no entry requirement.

This route is becoming a rat run, particularly when there are problems on the M20 and/or the A228 bypass. This problem will increase as the northern access to the Leybourne Chase developments comes on line. Consequently the volume of traffic trying to access the A20 from this junction will increase, as this junction is a quite steep incline visibility in either direction on the A20 can be a problem.

Solution – Close Birling Road?

A20 JUNCTION WITH A228

This is a major multiphased traffic light controlled junction, invariably with standing traffic at the four major access points and an absolute nightmare when the M20 is congested. There are problems in several areas here, not to mention air quality.

The link road between the A228 Bypass and the A20

The vast bulk of the traffic coming off the bypass is heading east on the A20, very little traffic heads west on the A20 (as there are other more convenient options open to them). At the A20 traffic lights there are three lanes, the left lane heading west (usually quite empty), the centre lane heading for Leybourne and eastwards and the right lane heading eastwards on the A20. Because of the traffic light waiting times and the volume of traffic wanting to turn right these two outer lanes are, frequently, congested and tail back to the traffic lights on the bypass itself (and sometimes beyond).

On the bypass there are two lanes for northbound traffic to turn right towards the A20. The left lane is for A20 Westbound and the right lane for Leybourne and A20 Eastbound traffic. As in the previous paragraph the right lane rapidly becomes congested with the tail back stretching back on the actual bypass and effectively closing the outer lane of the bypass with further congestion tailing back towards the station junction. Another problem here is that some drivers are too impatient to wait in the correct lane and will use the left lane and then force their way into the correct lane once through the bypass lights causing road rage incidents.

Partial solution

On the approaches to both sets of traffic lights convert the left lane to A20 westbound and Leybourne traffic, leaving the right lane(s) for A20 eastbound traffic. This would give a more even spread of the traffic, reducing the congestion in the right lanes and removing standing traffic from the north bound outside lane on the bypass.

Nothing can be done about the traffic volumes.

The west approach to the A20/A228 junction

By and large this approach works reasonably well. Only one observation when the traffic lights show green they seem to stay on that setting for a much longer time than any of the other approaches with a consequential build up of traffic at these other points.

Solution – Reduce the green light time.

The northern approach (Castle Way) to the A20

Heading away (north) from the A20 here we have three lanes merging into one within a relatively short distance. Not only can there be competition has to who can get to the front but at the point of merging there is a “pinch point” where the oncoming (southbound) traffic has priority. The road sweeps away to the right presenting forward vision problem to both traffic flows.

For traffic heading south on Castle Way towards the A20 (ie traffic that has come from the M20) in times of M20 congestion frequently this traffic queues through the pinch point and so prevents traffic from leaving the A20 to head north along Castle Way (result further congestion on the A20). At the lights the carriageway is three lanes wide, which can be a cause for confusion for some drivers as to which lane they should be in. This particular road configuration can lead to significant problems for drivers coming off the A20 (from the east) as turning right they are faced with five lanes from which to choose, quite often seeing a three lane carriageway they think that is the road only to find that they are on the wrong side of a dual carriageway. Faced with traffic coming towards them, they are in an awkward situation.

Solution

The volume of traffic using Castle Way does not justify carriageways this wide; the ideal solution would be to take each carriageway into a single lane. This would enable drivers to have time to watch where they are going. It is recognised that this is an expensive solution, but….

The east approach to the A20/A228 junction

As for the west approach this works reasonably well. Only two points to consider as mentioned previously traffic turning right, into Castle Way, can find themselves on the wrong carriageway. Second point, and it applies equally in both directions, at the lights the carriageway is two lanes wide but within 100 yards they drop down to single lane, the screech of tyres heralds another race to get to the front. With regard to the volume of traffic through this junction the question must be whether the provision of a short stretch of two lanes improves or impedes the flow of traffic, and, whether it increases the possibility of an accident.

The approach from Oxley Shaw Lane

On the whole this route works reasonably well. At times traffic queuing to access the bypass tails back and obstructs the access to the eastbound A20, but tis usually clears as the phasing of the lights releases the bypass traffic.

Solution

The best solution would be to convert to a roundabout system, coupled with the reassignment of lanes as suggested above.

There would be considerable savings to be had by removing the traffic lights. A recent report “Seeing Red: Traffic Controls and the Economy” by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) advocates the removal of all lights.

Not only will local authorities save money but businesses and residents will experience benefit as well.

An all round winner.

A20 BETWEEN CASTLE WAY AND LUNDSFORD LANE

On the whole it works well apart from regular congestion (eastbound) in the evenings.

Also during bad weather the gully, in the dip, just to the west of the A228 junction becomes blocked on a frequent basis. KCC attend to this quite promptly but a longer term solution is required.

A20/LUNDSFORD LANE/WINTERFIELD LANE JUNCTION

This is an offset junction resulting in a multiphase traffic light system. Apart from the traffic volumes, in both east/west directions, the system works reasonably well.

Lundsford Lane

However, when the M20 becomes congested eastbound and Junction 4 becomes blocked, usually traffic can leave at J4 heading north to turn right at Leybourne Way and from there head south again either using Lundsford Lane or Gigshill, ending up at this junction. In this situation this junction is usually already congested by the diverting traffic, leaving the M20 further west, using the A20 and so becomes even more congested.

Winterfield Lane

Volumes of traffic coming out of Winterfield lane are relatively small, but since the opening of the access to Station in Lucks Hill volumes have increased, particularly at peak times in the evening. At times traffic, seeking to turn right into Winterfield Lane exceed the capacity of the slip lane and so block the outer lane of the eastbound carriageway, a benefit of this situation partially solves the problem of impatient drivers mentioned in the following paragraph.

One point of concern, in the eastwards direction the provision of a short stretch of two lanes only seems to serve as an opportunity for impatient drivers to race up the outer lane and force their way back into the traffic flow on the inner lane. Does the provision of the second lane improve or impede traffic flows, it certainly increase driver stress in those being forced aside. In times of congestion it only serves to delay traffic moving off from the lights.

A20/NEW ROAD JUNCTION (LARKFIELD)

Whilst this is primarily a T junction, the junction is complicated by the entrance/exit accesses for the Larkfield Priory Hotel. Further complexity is added with the exit access from the B&Q Store and the Esso Garage.

Is there any scope to simplify this junction? Would a roundabout provide a more effective solution?

Again in the westerly direction there is a very short stretches of two lanes giving rise to frequent races to get in front with the resultant hassle. To the east the two lanes remain but often vehicles stopped in the inside lane impede through traffic.

A20/NEW HYTHE LANE (NHL)

Again another traffic light controlled T junction, but this time it has a bus lane (westward travel).

Travelling east, approaching the lights, the left turn into New Hythe Lane operates in a different cycle to the straight ahead traffic, invariably, blocking the inside lane. Again beyond the lights is a very short stretch of two lanes at the end of which is a bus stop. More screeching tyres in the race to the front, more hassle, and quite often traffic queuing back across the junction impeding traffic (coming from the east) wishing to turn into NHL.

It is not unusual for traffic to be queued back from Ditton to this junction, when this happens in can be difficult for traffic to emerge from NHL.

Partial solution - Could these lights not be resynchronised, it might inconvenience the pedestrians crossing NHL but could improve the flow of traffic along the A20.

Also, as mentioned with Lundsford Lane, at times of congestion on the eastbound M20 this is a point where diverting traffic seek to gain access to the A20, in either direction.

A20/NEW ROAD (DITTON)

Again an offset junction controlled by multiphased traffic lights. Tailbacks, in either direction, along the A20 are a frequent sight.

Partial solution - Were the road through the “Aylesford/Larkfield” industrial site opened this could remove traffic from this junction.

A20/QUARRY WOOD JUNCTION

Multiphased traffic light control, traffic volumes a nightmare, enough said.

The gully on the westbound carriageway, just outside Homebase is frequently blocked adding to the problems at this junction. KCC attends regularly but a more permanent solution is required.

A20/HERMITAGE LANE.

Multiphased traffic light control at a T junction complicated by the access to/from Preston Hall and the westbound bus lane.

A very busy junction that is regularly impacted by traffic problems at Quarry Wood and volumes coming from the M20. And vice versa at peak times.

New developments adjacent to this junction can only make matters worse.

A20/COLDHARBOUR LANE JUNCTION.

Roundabout controlled by traffic lights. On the whole works quite well, in peak volume times impatient driver behaviour can create problems.

A20/QUEENS ROAD

Although there is an overhead walkway provided here, at school finish times the numbers of children (and adults) weaving through the traffic to cross the A20 is concerning. Also the time it takes to “load” a bus at these times effectively blocks the road and tailback in both directions are commonplace.

A20/MAIDSTONE GYRATORY SYSTEM

Enough said.

CONCLUSION.

Traffic volumes are the major contributory factor to the problems along the A20, but how can volumes be reduced?

One solution is the provision of effective public transport.

At present the only direct bus service from Leybourne to Maidstone is the No.58 service which operates on a two hourly schedule and follows a circuitous route past Maidstone Hospital.

The No.72 bus, Maidstone/Kings Hill, is a half hourly service which uses the A20 between the A228 and Winterfield Lane, before re-joining the A20 at New Road. This service is some distance from the main housing in Leybourne, also the lack of accurate timetable information does not help. With the planned introduction of the X1 express service Kings Hill/Maidstone this would be an opportunity to re-route the No.72 through the Leybourne estate making it much more accessible to residents with the potential to reduce private car usage.

Similarly, although the plans for the Leybourne Chase development include the provision of a bus service to Maidstone no provision has yet been made. This service could, also, service the Leybourne Estate.

Leybourne Parish Council

3rd February 2016

A20 Route Study – stakeholder feedback 5th February 2016

Amey Brenchley House 1st Floor 123 – 135 Week Street Maidstone Kent

For the attention of Elizabeth Elphick

A20 Route Study – Stakeholder feedback

Further to your letter of 25th January 2016 concerning the above. West Malling Parish Council (WMPC) has an active interest in the study as the A20 provides a key transport route through the Parish and is keen that any alterations do not have a detrimental impact on West Malling.

I have noted WMPC’s comments using the format suggested in your letter. Please note that some of the responses reference several of the topics in the responses.

Potential Issues:

Traffic congestion As with many local routes, the A20 suffers from traffic congestion at peak times, such as school runs and commuter traffic. However, there are junctions on this stretch of the A20 where there are delays throughout the day. These are with:

 Ashton Way (West Malling by-pass) slip road/Castle Way, Leybourne;  Lunsford Lane, Aylesford;  New Road, Larkfield (adjacent to Larkfield Priory);  New Hythe Lane, Larkfield (adjacent to Morrisons supermarket);  New Road/Station Road Ditton;  Hall Road/Mills Road Aylesford.

All these junctions are traffic light controlled.

The junction at Ashton Way is notorious for detaining vehicles when there is no other stationary traffic at the junction. This suggests that the inductive-loop traffic detectors (vehicle detection loops) need better integration with the traffic light phasing and consideration should be given to introducing non-light controlled left hand slip lanes.

The junction at Lunsford Lane suffers from poor traffic flow co-ordination from the junctions at Ashton Way and New Road. These allow further vehicles along the A20 when vehicles are already queuing in the slip road at Lunsford Lane. The resulting tail-back blocks the traffic flow on the A20 and hampers the flow in Lunsford and Winterfield Lanes. This suggests that better control could be gained by using yellow box lines on at least part of the junction.

The junction at New Road needs better integration with traffic from the garage and superstore. Also, the pedestrian crossing facilities need to be reassessed as the current

1 of 3 21/03/2016 11:37 HMM A20 Route Study – stakeholder feedback 5th February 2016 lighting and signage can obstruct motorists’ sight lines, particularly when children are using the crossings.

The junction at New Hythe Lane has a bus lane and the traffic lights are triggered to give them priority. The lights allow a bus through but do not then continue with the interrupted sequence. Instead, they appear to return to the beginning of the sequence, thus further delaying traffic that was already waiting at the lights.

The junction at New Road/Station Road suffers from the amount of traffic using it but should gain substantial benefit from better management elsewhere on this stretch of the A20.

The junction at Hall Road/Mills Road needs basic improvement including resurfacing and repainting of road markings. However, without a major redesign of the business park road system, it is difficult to make viable suggestions.

Public transport provision While there is undoubtedly a major need for larger capacity vehicles at peak types, WMPC suggests that research should be done on providing smaller passenger capacity vehicles (e.g. 25 – 35 seat range) for non-peak times. This, along with the provision of bus lanes where practicable, could encourage more of the community to use public transport.

Barriers to walking and cycling There are a number of reasons why people chose not to walk or cycle. The main barrier on this stretch of the A20 is a perception that it’s too dangerous because of the high volumes and speed of the traffic. While with-flow cycle lanes (marked on the road) can be very useful, shared-use pavements provide a visible separation from the traffic. Bus lanes provide a similar perception of safer use.

Currently, there is minimum separation between vehicles and other road users, particularly at junctions. Clear definition of separate areas and clearing or re-siting visual clutter, including road signs, street furniture etc, could help to reassure road users and go some way in changing their perception of the safety of this stretch of the A20.

Accessibility At peak pressure times, this stretch of road provides very poor accessibility to other routes such as the M20, M26, A228 etc as well as local roads serving residential areas. Providing a bus lane facility along the length of the A20 from its junction with Ashton Way to Hermitage Lane (Aylesford) could improve transit times for public transport and emergency response vehicles. However, due to the residential character of much of the area and corresponding vehicle ownership, the volume of traffic will remain at a high level with no short term solution to the accessibility issues.

Community severance Roads with high traffic levels/speeds create physical and psychological barriers that affect walking and cycling and may have negative effects on individual health and social cohesion. WMPC feels that it is an important issue which should be considered as part of any improvements on this stretch of road, preferably after consultation with the local communities.

2 of 3 21/03/2016 11:37 HMM A20 Route Study – stakeholder feedback 5th February 2016

Potential Topics

While WMPC is pleased that Amey has approached local stakeholders in writing, it considers that the potential topics could be handled more pro-actively on a person to person basis with a wider audience.

This could be by public exhibition of plans and proposals and/or by Amey attending local group or parish council meetings.

This approach would certainly be productive in defining the needs of particular groups, gaining opinion on maintenance and route clarity and signage.

Quality of environment is an emotive topic and would need careful definition; air quality and noise pollution are clearly related to transport and fall within the scope of the study.

However, residents may have other environmental concerns that they feel take priority in the short term, e.g. perception of safety.

Yours Carole D'Silva

Clerk to West Malling Parish Council tel: 01732 870872

3 of 3 21/03/2016 11:37 HMM Dear Mrs Elphick

Comments from Snodland Town Council planning meeting held on 26 January 2016 identified an issue with the congestion along the A20 and felt that a rear exit from the retail park may ease the congection in the area.

Kind Regards

Karen Sowten Mrs Karen Sowten Chief Executive Snodland Council 01634 240228 Hi Elizabeth

Thank you for your emailed letter of 12th January 2016 and my Council’s preliminary comments are:-

1. At the A20/New Hythe Lane junction a yellow box should be painted on the A20 towards Ditton blocking the entry and exit to New Hythe Lane. A “quick win”?

2. The operation of the bus lane for buses coming from Maidstone turning right into New Hythe Lane should be reviewed. At present the bus triggers the lights to give it priority but then the sequence starts all over again so waiting vehicles have to “double wait”. Can this be avoided by having “smarter” lights?

3. At the Ditton crossroads could a left hand lane into Station Road be introduced, but on the basis if the Cobdown wall has to be set back it be re-built on the set back line. This may ease the flow of traffic. At present at peak times it is these lights which hold up traffic backing sometimes right back to Larkfield.

4. At Quarry Wood/Hall Road junction there is a need to solve the flooding problem which affects the Ditton bound carriageway and bus stop after heavy rain. Indeed recently water is starting to overflow into the offside lane of those turning right into Quarry Wood from Ditton direction.

5. Preston Hall. With the new houses at Preston Hall there are more vehicles turning right to come towards Ditton/Larkfield. The right turn is not very good/clear and this should be looked at especially as not all the new houses have been built or occupied. Should right turns have been banned?

6. Coldharbour roundabout. The lane marking here is considered confusing and three lanes going into two is considered unsafe.

If a left slip down to the M20 is being considered the Parish Council would be interested to see the plans and the timing of doing this work. This is obviously not in our Parish but any scheme should take into account the needs of pedestrians to negotiate the roundabout and be landscaped.

A similar marking problem for traffic turning right from Allington to the M20 exists.

The positioning of the lights on the roundabout and phasing can mean traffic from M20 causes blockages.

We understand there may be Section 106 money from Croudace?

7. Site on corner of A20 and Hermitage Lane. This will cause extra traffic turning as well as attracting traffic. How this will be accommodated needs to be addressed.

8. Reverting to the A20/New Hythe Lane there is a problem of two lanes approaching the lights from Leybourne direction and one left to New Hythe Lane. The two lanes merging into one causes potential collisions and perhaps it should just be one lane.

Regards

Val Severn Clerk to East Malling and Larkfield Parish Council 01732 844546 Dear Elizabeth

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the study you are undertaking on the A20 and in particular your letter of 25 January. The Parish Council believes the A20 is a heavily congested road that has got worse over the last few years. The road is at its worst causing significant traffic jams and large delays during the peak travel times in the morning and in the evening. However the road is also subject to random traffic congestion which happens without there being an obvious reason.

It is felt that the principal causes for the congestion is the additional traffic emerging on to the A20 from the principal junctions with the road and these are:- a) A20 junction with New Hythe Lane b) Ditton Crossroads c) Junction with Hall Road and the Quarry Wood Industrial estate d) Junction with Hermitage Lane e) A20 Junction 5 Roundabout A20 junction with New Hythe Lane This junction is located well outside Aylesford Parish but has been identified as a pinch point for traffic travelling in both directions but particularly for the traffic going to Maidstone. This is fed by the traffic from the residential and business communities feeding into the A20.

Ditton Crossroads Again this is not within this Parish but one of the roads feeding into the A20 comes from the Parish namely Station Road. This of all the junctions causes the most significant congestion with the not unusual occurrence of having heavy congestion to the lights followed by a fairly clear road. The problems at the lights could be caused by the timing on the lights, the busy roads joining it and the slightly staggered shape of the junction.

Junction with Hall Road and the Quarry Wood Industrial Estate This junction is within the Parish and has recently had a number of significant problems. These revolve around traffic leaving the Quarry Wood industrial estate and Hall Road as well as delays on the A20. Traffic regularly queues back on Hall Road occasionally along its whole length principally at peak times. In terms of the Quarry Wood industrial estate there have been significant problems with very lengthy delays for traffic trying to leave the estate. This must be looked at as part of your review as there have been significant complaints and the issue has also been raised in the KM.

Junction with Hermitage Lane At peak times and occasionally other times this junction is always busy with traffic being clogged up back to the previous junction. There are also problems for traffic leaving Hermitage Lane and entering the A20 in both directions. This will only get worse as the already agreed developments both business and housing are completed and the traffic movements increase.

A20 Junction 5 Roundabout and Lights At peak times and at many other times this junction with the roundabout is very busy queueing back to the other junctions. It is equally busy coming from the other direction.

Additionally the pressures on the A20 and its subsidiary roads are only going to get worse as further development takes place in the life of the next Local Plan. The road is already over capacity at peak times and this position will only get worse. Therefore as part of this study it is important that any planning for the future takes these potential new developments into account.

Many thanks again for the opportunity for the Parish Council to comment.

Best wishes

Neil

Neil Harris, Clerk, Aylesford Parish Council. 01622 717084 [email protected] Hi Elizabeth

It was noted that this study also refer to bus provision.

The bus service out of Maidstone to Larkfield and Lunsford Park is frequent and generally considered to be a good service.

However, the Parish Council has been raising for some time the lack of a regular service to New Hythe Station. The ending of Service No. 76 from New Hythe to West Malling recently has removed the only service to stop at the station.

It is considered the Medway Valley Line does provide an alternative for people from the Larkfield area to Maidstone.

However, Service No.71 goes as far as so called Leybourne Park turning at Papyrus Way roundabout.

The Parish Council however continues to ask it be extended so it turns at the roundabout by the River and could then stop outside the station as No.76 did. It would provide a better link to and from the station for the built up area of Larkfield throughout the day.

We ask this also be considered.

Regards

Val Severn Clerk to East Malling and Larkfield Parish Council 01732 844546 Dear Elizabeth,

I have been forwarded the details you provided on the A20 corridor traffic study. Appreciating that the feedback date has just expired, I wanted to make you aware, if you are not already, that the A20 (from New Hythe Lane to the Coldharbour roundabout) has three declared Air Quality Management Areas (AQMA) for high levels of the pollutant nitrogen dioxide as a result of traffic exhaust emissions. It would be advantageous if the study could also link in with potential air quality improvements as a result of potential traffic improvements. Originally a traffic study of this area was planned following an air quality grant but this should hopefully no longer be necessary as the result of your project. I would be happy to provide you with further details on the AQMAs and/or maybe we could meet to discuss the plans?

Kind regards, Mary-Anne.

Mary-Anne Norton Environmental Protection Officer Borough Council 01732 876182

A20 Corridor Meeting with Local Parishes 2pm 7th June 2016

Attending: Two members from Aylesford PC, one from East Malling and Larkfield PC (David Thornewell) one from Ditton PC, also 5 Local Borough Councillors, Cllr Howard (portfolio Holder) and Trudy Dean (KCC Member for Larkfield). Officers present, Steve Humphrey (Chairing), Louise Reid, Ian Bailey, Andy Edwards (TMBC), David Joyner, Louise Rowlands and Steve from Amey (18).

The baseline report on the A20 Corridor had been circulated prior to the meeting and was briefly introduced by Amey. Recommendations for some short term improvements, mostly sustainable transport measures and minor junction improvements and proposals for longer term solutions when development strategies emerge through the Local Plan were set out. The potential for some relief should Bellingham Way be opened up as part of the redevelopment of Aylesford Newsprint site was also raised.

The Chair acknowledged that there were no real surprises in the report’s conclusions, but having evidence to confirm this would prove useful going forward. He invited comments.

David Thornewell: Agreed it will be useful evidence for the Local Plan. EM&LPC were keen for quick wins to be implemented including –

1. a yellow box junction at the junction of New Hythe Lane and the A20 to help ‘contain’ Maidstone bound traffic. 2. Adjusting the traffic light sequence. Currently the bus priority signalling has the effect of resetting the light sequence rather than returning to where it was, which frustrates those queueing. 3. More street lights are not welcomed for environmental reasons (although encouraging more walking and cycling is) – street lights unlikely to lead to significant modal shift.

Roger Roud:

1. There is a perception locally that the cycleroutes are not well used. The footpath is wide enough and could double up. 2. An extra exit between Quarry Wood to Hermitage Lane would be a big help. 3. Parked vehicles along New Hythe Lane results in traffic backing up through junction with A20 – could yellow lines be considered.

Andy Edwards: A single yellow might work, but resident’s would not want it.

Mike Parry-Waller: Recommendations in report will not deliver significant improvement.

1. Could the electricity sub station at Ditton be moved? Could redevelopment of ANP pay for it? 2. Concern that committed developments in the vicinity (Perter’s Village, Preston Hall, Somerfield Depot) and now possibly 300 homes at ANP will exacerbate problems on A20. 3. General point re. Writing to Amey for a view on a new junction on M20 to remove HGVs from A20 – but no response received.

Trudy Dean: Welocomed study findings as part of evidence base. 1. Crash and accident reports seem to point to congestion being a contributing factor. Is there any more detail available? 2. Is it possible to access the M20 direct from ANP? If not, we can stop speculating and move on. 3. Re parking restrictions on New Hythe Lane – consultations recently revealed residents split 50/50% on whether good idea or not, but clear support for peak hours restriction.

Amey: More detail on accidents will be added to final version.

Louise Rowlands: ANP developers will look at M20 access, but it will be for Highways to decide if distance between Junctions too short.

Michael Base (Borough Councillor for Aylesford South): Was hoping for more significant recommendations for improvements.

Anita Oakley: Found it very useful.

1. P.11 – When will studies re opening up Bellingham Way be completed? 2. P.69 – there are two more primary schools which should be added – Ditton Primary and Ditton Infants (Pear Tree Ave) 3. P.85 Motorcycle barrier – Anita has been lobbying to have it removed, this might support that.

Neil Harris (Aylesford PC): Thanks for the work done so far.

1. Can this evidence be used to support refusals for new applications that increase traffic movements on the A20? 2. How will infrastructure improvements be addressed through identifying additional sites through the Local plan? 3. Agree Bellingham Way should be looked at and also Hall Road.

Steve Humphrey: Planned development through the Local Plan could deliver real improvements, but will have to be agreed as a preferred strategy.

There was a general discussion about the Strategic Gap. There was some recognition that times have changed and there could be a solution here.

The severity test was discussed and the challenge of refusing applications if the additional traffic movements are not significant.

Copies of recent severity appeal decisions were requested by the group.

Joyce ? (Ditton PC): Extending the Quarry Wood exit to three lanes would help alleviate congestion – could this be looked at as a quick win? Yes.

Howard Rogers: The evidence is useful. The low proportion of traffic travelling the whole length of the corridor is surprising. We should recognise that while white vans are a nuisance, we need local employment.

The Chair summed up as follows: 1. Notes and action points will be written up 2. Report - Quick wins will be updated 3. More reference to the modelling work being carried out at ANP re Bellingham Way 4. Copies of severity appeal cases made available 5. The Local Plan will explore more radical solutions.

Meeting closed at 4pm.

Elizabeth Elphick Amey Brenchley House 1st Floor 123-135 Week Street Maidstone Kent ME14 1RF

Tel: +44(0)1622 624000

Tuesday 12th January 2016

A20 Route Study – Stakeholder feedback

Dear Stakeholder

Amey have been commissioned by Kent County Council to carry out a transport study of the A20 from the junction with the A228 at Leybourne to the A20/Coldharbour Lane junction in Aylesford. The main purpose of the study is to establish an evidence base of existing and forecast problems or issues within the study corridor and to identify any potential solutions to mitigate these.

The key activities that will be undertaken as part of the study will be:

 Establish existing travel patterns through the corridor through analysis of ANPR survey data;  Evidence existing levels of traffic congestion through analysis of junction survey data;  Identify any road safety issues through analysis of personal injury accident records;  Audit of existing public transport facility/service provision;  A review of existing pedestrian/cyclist accessibility;  Engagement with key stakeholders and the local community; and  Use developed evidence base to identify any ‘quick win’ or longer term mitigation measures.

The extents of the study corridor are shown in the map below:

In order to inform the study we wish to obtain input from individuals or groups with local interest and knowledge of the study area. We are writing to a number of groups and organisations inviting them to

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contribute to the study by helping identify local needs and issues. Below are listed some suggestions of the topics and issues you may wish to address:

Potential Issues Potential Topics  Traffic congestion;  The needs of particular groups (i.e. disabled/children);  Public transport provision;  Maintenance;  Barriers to walking and cycling;  Route clarity and signage;  Accessibility;  Quality of environment;  Community severance;  Perception of safety;

We would be grateful for any comments on any issues which might be relevant to you. Could you please provide any responses by Friday 5th February to allow us to incorporate your views into the study.

Yours faithfully

Elizabeth Elphick Transport Planner For and on behalf of Amey UK plc

Email: [email protected]

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