The Chair requested that for all future meetings written responses be provided for all outstanding actions so that they could be included within the agenda pack and reviewed prior to the meeting.

The Dartford & Gravesham District Manager (KCC) agreed to send over written responses with the Highways Works Programme agenda item.

The Dartford & Gravesham District Manager (KCC) apologised that he would not be able to provide an update for every outstanding action as the software that held responses was not functioning properly. The Dartford & Gravesham District Manager (KCC) agreed to circulate the information that was unavailable outside the meeting at a later date.

Double Yellow Lines on Cruden Road

As mentioned above, the Dartford & Gravesham District Manager (KCC) agreed to circulate a response outside of the meeting.

Traffic Issues raised on Whitehill Road

The Dartford & Gravesham District Manager (KCC) advised that the area that was causing an issue had been investigated and it had ben determined that the piece of land where the dangerous turning was happening was owned by Gravesham borough Council (GBC). KCC would work GBC to see if that section of the road could be widened. Cllr Rana explained that current traffic issues meant that cars on the opposite side of the road had been collided with.

Cllr Rana added that recently there had been issues with roadworks for emergency repairs on Whitehill Road; signage was placed on the road advising motorist about the road closure, but many members of the public were mounting the kerb to drive around the road closure. Cllr Rana had pictures of motorists mounting the kerb and asked that the companies be contacted to strengthen the placement of the road closure signage.

The Dartford & Gravesham District Manager (KCC) responded that UK Power Networks were responsible for those repairs; KCC had recently appointed a West Kent Road Closure Coordinator whose responsibility would be to visit the utility repair sites and make sure they were in good order, as much as was possible. KCC had less control over utility repair works but the Dartford & Gravesham District Manager (KCC) agreed to raise the issue at the next board meeting that all utility providers attended.

Issues Crossing Valley Drive

The Dartford & Gravesham District Manager (KCC) advised that they were waiting on the Planning Inspector to finish their recommendations on the LTC; an update on works proposed in the area would be available for the Board soon.

Improvements to Northfleet Roundabout – Placement of Anchor

The Dartford & Gravesham District Manager (KCC) advised that Cllr Meade was still progressing the matter, but he had not yet met with County Cllrs Sullivan, Broadley, and Meade.

The Chair asked that the Dartford & Gravesham District Manager (KCC) contact Cllr Meade to see how the matter was progressing and ensure he liaised with County Cllrs Sullivan, and Broadley outside of the meeting. County Cllr Broadley stated that he was happy to wait for an update directly from County Cllr Meade.

Perry Street – White Lines

The Dartford & Gravesham District Manager (KCC) advised that the works were due to be completed sometime in April 2024. 

Whitehill School – Zebra Crossing

Cllr Rana explained that the path on the school side was not deep enough for lights to be installed as previously outlined; the lights could be installed on the opposite side. Additionally, there was a blind spot going into the school which needed signage put up advising motorists that they were heading into a school area.

Cllr Rana added that the area had seen significant traffic issues recently which stemmed from utility works on Smart Road, Central Avenue and Norfolk Road; Sun Lane also had very large potholes which were dangerous to motorists.

The Dartford & Gravesham District Manager (KCC) confirmed that scheduled works were planned for filling in the potholes on Sun Lane however it would not be a full resurfacing.

The Dartford & Gravesham District Manager (KCC) advised that works to improve that area around Whitehill School could be incorporated into the next project; the Dartford & Gravesham District Manager (KCC) agreed keep Cllr Rana updated on progress.

Valley Drive turning into Marling Way

As mentioned above, the Dartford & Gravesham District Manager (KCC) advised that they were waiting on the Planning Inspector to finish their recommendations for the LTC; an update on works proposed in the area would be available for the Board soon.

Bus Gate Barrack Row

An update would be provided under agenda item 8b.

Traffic Calming Solutions in Sole Street

The Dartford & Gravesham District Manager (KCC) had provided the requested information to the KCC Cabinet Member for Transport; Cllr Sweetland was also due to hold discussions with Cobham Parish Council regarding the information.

ATC Speed Checks

The Dartford & Gravesham District Manager (KCC) advised that the speed review had been completed and County Cllr Broadley confirmed that the speed limit had been reduced from 40mph to 30mph on Springhead Road.

Gravesend Active Travel Scheme

The Dartford & Gravesham District Manager (KCC) explained that the scheme would potentially be considered as part of the regeneration scheme for Gravesham; he had met with GBC’s Assistant Director (Inclusive Growth) to discuss regeneration and future meetings were planned.

County Cllrs Sullivan and Broadley echoed their previous negative feedback for the schemes proposed options and reconfirmed their desire to move ahead with ‘Option C’.

The Chair asked that the Dartford & Gravesham District Manager (KCC) liaise with the Assistant Director (Inclusive Growth) and County Cllrs Sullivan and Broadley outside of the meeting to discuss how best to move forward with ‘Option C’. The Chair also asked that a report be brought back to a future meeting of Gravesham Joint Transportation Board once a path forward had been agreed.

Gravesham Highways Works Programme Report

The Dartford & Gravesham District Manager (KCC) confirmed that progress had been made on Galley Hill Road; the land had been acquired from the previous landowner and permits were in place to start stabilisation works. As the cliff face wasn’t owned by KCC, there was a lot of legal work happening in the background, but the works were now in a position where they could be started.