Apologies for absence were received from Bryan Sweetland (KCC) and borough Councillor Tony Rana.

The minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday 28 August 2024 were signed by the Chair.

No declarations of interest were made.

Members were presented with an update on actions that were requested or promised at the previous Gravesham JTB meeting.

Issues Crossing Valley Drive

TheHighways Manager Dartford and Gravesham (KCC) advised there was no update on this matter.  The Chair noted this could be removed and reinvestigated once plans for lower Thames crossing were in place.

Improvements to Northfleet Roundabout – Placement of Anchor

There were no further updates from Cllr Meade (KCC) relating to the placement of the anchor.

Perry Street – White lines

The Highways Manager Dartford and Gravesham (KCC) confirmed that lining refresh works were carried out in September.  Cllr Ridgers (KCC) expressed concern that certain speed bumps did not have white triangle lines yet and was expecting the works to cover these.  It was noted that the speed bump nearest Brook Road did not have triangular white markings on either side of the road.  The Highways Manager Dartford and Gravesham (KCC) advised the works completed had been done so by the Statutory Safety Officer and would take the comments away, requesting that officers looked into this.  He added that quite a lot of work had been carried out and it would appear this may have been left out. 

Valley Drive turn into Marling Way

The Highways Manager Dartford and Gravesham(KCC) advised this matter still sat with the planning inspector and no update was available. The Chair noted this could be removed and reinvestigated once plans for lower Thames crossing were in place.

Bus Gate – Barrack Row

The Highways Manager Dartford and Gravesham (KCC) advised that there was no further update than the one provided on the document.

Gravesend Active Travel Scheme

There was no further update other than the one provided on the document.

Old Road East pavement between Pine Avenue and St John's School entrance

In edition to the update given within the agenda pack, the Highways Manager Dartford and Gravesham (KCC) advised that crash data testing had been carried out and drivers of the vehicles concerned had also been inebriated. Speed restrictions changed further up the road and cars had been speeding in their approach.

Echo Square Roundabout

The Highways Manager Dartford and Gravesham (KCC) advised that the necessary work had been carried out and so the item could be removed.

Old Road West – Singlewell Road – Old Road East – Prince of Orange Junction

The Highways Manager Dartford & Gravesham (KCC) advised that there was no further update than the one provided on the document.

Hillingdon Avenue and Singlewell Road

The Highways Manager Dartford & Gravesham (KCC) advised that there was no further update than the one provided on the document.

Chantry School – Ordnance Road

The Highways Manager Dartford & Gravesham (KCC) confirmed KCC were not able to commit to fitting wig wag units at this time and therefore would not be something KCC would be able to do, unless external funding was identified.  Cllr Croxton advised she would like to explore external funding and would investigate with Cllr Milner then come  ...  view the full minutes text for item 16.

The Highways Manager Dartford and Gravesham (KCC) presented the board with the Highways Forward Works Programme: 2024/25 and 2025/26.   The purpose of the report was to provide an update and summarise schemes that had been programmed for delivery in 2024/25 and 2025/26.  The Highways Manager Dartford and Gravesham (KCC) advised this paper was for information only and subject to minor changes.

The Chair made reference to appendix F of the report which updated on upcoming work to the footbridge over the railway line along Vale Road.  The chair observed that the bridge seemed of strong structure and asked if consideration could be given to the extent of the works undertaken.  He highlighted the heritage of the bridge noting the steam detectors on the structure. The Highways Manager Dartford and Gravesham (KCC) noted the request and advised he would contact the relevant team on this and gain advice on whether a structural survey had been carried out.

The Chair allowed Members to raise various issues in the Borough with the Highways Manager Dartford and Gravesham (KCC).

This item was addressed under Matters Arising.

It was noted that recent incidents had been attributed to alcohol impairment.

The Highways Manager Dartford and Gravesham (KCC) explained that the documents within the pack were the KCC Highway responses relating to both proposals.  These were both publicly available documents.

A question had been raised by Cllr Rana outlined in the supplementary document. 

The Highways Manager Dartford and Gravesham (KCC) explained the development planners commented on planning applications independently, based on their own merits. Responses would take into consideration the public highway, looking at impact using a number of variables.

Cllr Hills updated the board on the disruption caused by the local skip company and HGV lorries through Chalk and Higham.  Cllr Croxton agreed that lorries and skip trucks were supposed to abide by the time and weight restrictions of the road, but this was not being adhered to, with trucks regularly on the restricted roads through Chalk before 7am.  It was noted that through Lower Higham the trucks would also travel at speed.  Members agreed the situation was an accident waiting to happen.

Cllr Meade expressed his concern on the matter, as both KCC Councillor and borough Councillor and spoke on behalf of Cllr Helen Ashenden who also held the same view.

Cllr Pearton updated on the effects felt by Higham residents and noted that trucks were giving no consideration to the weight or width restrictions and often operated outside permitted times. The issue was not only from RS Skips travelling to the Nuralite industrial estate but also HGVs visiting the Beckly Hill site.  Residents in roads such as School Lane and Villa Lane were being woken at night by the heavy vehicles.  Cllr Pearton informed Members that a lorry count had been conducted and more lorries appeared to travel through the villages than the A226. There was a safety concern along country lanes with not only other drivers but pedestrians, horse riders and cyclists.  Cllr Pearton noted a recent incident with a pedestrian in Green Farm Lane, in which a truck caught her arm.

Members wanted to know how the development of barns into industrial sites and impacts incurred could be mitigated.

The Chair concluded that the response outlined in the agenda pack, from Nicola Baker on the matter, did not provide sufficient information and would therefore be useful to have greater information including any records of traffic flow.  The Highways Manager Dartford and Gravesham (KCC) and Parking and Environmental Enforcement Services Manager were asked to gather more detail for the next meeting of Gravesham. JTB.

Cllr Meade (KCC) agreed that it was important to keep the issue in matters arising for the next meeting, but also noted that due to safety concerns there was a level of urgency to discuss the issue sooner, at a separate briefing with the appropriate officers and Members concerned.  Any update could then be filtered to the parishes concerned.

The Highways Manager Dartford and Gravesham (KCC) acknowledged the matter was a large-scale problem and an in-depth conversation was required.  Although the matter was concerning another team within KCC, he would endeavour to push the issue.  It was noted that the roads that had traffic regulation orders could be enforced by the police. 

The Parking and Environmental Enforcement Services Manager agreed to speak with Gravesham’s planning department and to make contact with the police to request they join the meeting also, due to the enforcement element. He would look to schedule a meeting.

The Chair concluded that the briefing be set up with the appropriate Members, Officers and Police and that a report  ...  view the full minutes text for item 19a