Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies were received from Councillors Constantine, Connor, Game and Messenger.

There were no declarations of interest.

To approve the Minutes of the Joint Transportation Board meeting held on 14 September 2017, copy attached.

Councillor Johnston proposed, Councillor Crow-Brown seconded and Members agreed the minutes to be a correct record of the meeting held on 14 September 2017.

Mr Wraight, Principal Transport and Development Planner, introduced the report highlighting that the Strategy would form part of the Local Plan.  The main element was an inner circuit of new and upgraded roads. Mr Wraight offered a brief description of the key elements of the proposed inner circuit and noted that it was expected that the main infrastructure projects would be mainly funded by developers and external funding bids.

During consideration of the item it was noted that:

·  Bus links to medical services such as doctors surgeries should be considered a priority. 

·  It was expected that these proposals could offer better access to bus services for some parts of the District as new commercially viable bus routes may become available.

·  If there were changes to the Local Plan, consideration would be given as to what changes to the draft Transport Strategy might be required.

·  There appeared to be a number of proposals to support the Westwood Cross area, however consideration should be given to improving access to the District’s town centres, such as Broadstairs.

·  Existing parking in the District could be better sign posted which could increase its use.

·  There was recognition that the Strategy should be balanced and include walking and cycling provisions.

·  It was important to be in a position to apply for external funding as soon as it became available.  This approach had led to successful bids in the past.

·  There was an Infrastructure Delivery Plan on Thanet District Council’s website that identified what infrastructure would be required, such as doctors, schools and roads, and what funding would be needed.

·  The Strategy ran until 2031 and had the potential for interim reviews.

·  Mr Valek would make enquires and respond to Councillor Lewis after the meeting regarding a reduction in the speed limit along New Street, Margate.

It was proposed by Councillor Crow-Brown and seconded by Councillor Johnston that:

‘JTB endorse the document for an initial public consultation exercise and subsequent consideration through the examination of the Thanet Local Plan process.’

Following a vote, the motion was agreed.

Mr Valek, District Manager, KCC Highways, Transportation and Waste Service introduced the report which provided an update on schemes approved for construction in 2017/18

During consideration of the item it was noted that:

·  Three areas for machine resurfacing had been programmed for March 2018 as the work required suitable weather conditions.

·  Mr Valek expected to have an update regarding the drainage works at All Saints Avenue, Margate available for the next JTB meeting.

·  The replacement of a street light in the High Street, Margate had been completed.

·  Minster Parish Council had advised the street lighting team that a light was out on the roundabout at Tothill Street, Minster.  The roundabout had also been identified as a potential location where people drove at excessive speed and crash remedial measures were being considered.

The report was noted.

Paul Valek introduced the Plan noting that it was produced each year and outlined arrangements between Kent County Council and Thanet District Council, to provide local winter service in the event of an operational snow alert.

During consideration of the item it was noted that:

·  During a snow event operational staff from TDC’s Dane Park Depot helped to clear foot paths.  Hand salting of footpaths was very labour intensive.

·  There were five local farmers who had six routes to snow plough.

·  The winter service plan was ready for implementation from the middle of October until the end of April each year.

Members noted the report.