Maidstone Borough Council

Integrated Transport Strategy

2011-2031

 

1.              Executive Summary

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2.              Transport Future for Maidstone

2.1           In the future, Maidstone and its surrounding area will be well known for its efficient, sustainable and accessible transport system which will support a thriving and attractive county town, and provide efficient and effective links with the surrounding villages, countryside and beyond.  More and more people will walk, cycle and use public transport and this will help reduce car traffic on radial routes from the town and support the continued growth of the area while protecting its distinctive character and environment. 

2.2           New routes will be developed for walking, cycling and public transport which will link up communities, employment, services and facilities and alternatives to the private car will be promoted.  Information about sustainable transport options will be readily available and new technology will make this easy to access. 

2.3      New high quality bus routes will link Maidstone town centre with community and local transport hubs and these will be supplemented with high speed broadband and local enterprise centres.  Enhanced railway services will link the Borough with the capital and surrounding urban areas, offering a wide range of employment, commercial and leisure opportunities for residents, businesses and visitors.  

3.        Transport: Part of the Wider Picture

3.1      At present, Maidstone Borough faces acute transport challenges, from managing increasing traffic congestion to mitigating the environmental issues associated with transportation, including poor air quality in the urban area.  In peak periods, parts of the road network operate at or near capacity and, especially to the south of the Borough, people find it difficult to access the services they need due to the lack of transport options available to them.   

3.2      This Integrated Transport Strategy (ITS) is needed to provide a framework for transport planning and decision making in the Borough, which places an emphasis on addressing these issues through long term sustainable development of our transport network.  The strategy seeks to address these issues through a range of policies and actions for the Borough Council and its partners to implement.

3.3      The Maidstone Borough Local Plan will meet in full the identified Objectively Assessed Need of 18,560 dwellings in the plan period from 2011 -2031.  The ITS will provide a policy framework and programme of schemes and interventions to support the Maidstone Borough Local Plan, taking account of the committed and predicted levels of growth in homes[1] and jobs and detailing the transport infrastructure and services necessary to support and deliver this growth.  It will provide a detailed programme of transport interventions for Maidstone Borough, addressing existing and future challenges and is consistent with national and local transport and planning policies.

3.4      The ITS provides the overview and justification for the detailed transport infrastructure requirements for the Local Plan which are identified in the MBC Infrastructure Delivery Plan (IDP).  The strategy also draws on national, regional and local policy to promote sustainable transport policies and programmes, in-line with best practice elsewhere and should ensure that future development can be accommodated without detriment to existing conditions and seeking to enhance economic social and environmental well-being.

3.5      Many of the measures in this strategy are intended to facilitate and support new development and these will be financed through a variety of public and other funding sources.  Also, developers will be expected to contribute to the delivery of the strategy by way of contributions through the appropriate channels and these include Section 106 agreements and eventually the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL)

           Scope of the ITS

3.6     The ITS covers the area of Maidstone Borough Council which includes the urban area of the county town and neighbouring villages.  It considers all modes of transport used for local trips, on main roads and the motorway network, and the rail network.  It identifies interventions to address current problems on the network, takes account of jobs and housing growth, and recognises that the populations of the urban area and dispersed villages bring different challenges and solutions.  

4.        Strategic Priorities

4.1           This strategy adopts an integrated approach which recognises that transport issues are inherently linked to one another, but that they are also part of the wider planning challenge.  In doing so the ITS seeks to achieve its vision of “realising Maidstone’s sustainable future; connecting communities and supporting a growing economy”.

4.2           The ITS promotes a number of key priorities which will lead to specific interventions in all modes of transport and these may be identified as the overall aims of the strategy.    

Reduce demand for travel

4.3           A key priority for the strategy is to reduce the demand for travel, especially by private vehicle.  The creation of sustainable communities, where people can live, work and access facilities without needing to travel long distances, is an overarching aim of the strategy and this will be pursued through the Maidstone Borough Local Plan and land use planning policies.

4.4           Significant advances in technology mean that the opportunities to work from home are increasing so that people may not need to travel to a workplace on a regular basis in the future with benefits in reducing congestion. 

4.5      Home working on a regular basis may be encouraged by the provision of superfast broadband, especially to rural communities and this should be a priority for partnerships between public agencies, providers and local businesses.  This provision may be supplemented by the establishment of local enterprise hubs which offer the opportunity for local small businesses to support each other and provide complementary activities and services.

Changing behaviour

4.6      The inexorable increase in car usage leading to congestion and the further deterioration in environmental conditions are not sustainable and require changes in behaviour by individuals and institutions.  An holistic approach is needed to promote alternatives to private car usage and the encouragement of walking, cycling and the use of public transport.

4.7      Experience elsewhere has demonstrated that significant changes to behaviour can be achieved where bus and rail services are enhanced by additional routes, real time information and new and improved interchange facilities. 

In Poole, the number of journeys by bus has almost doubled from 5.3 million in 2004/2005 to 10.2 million in 2014/2015[2].  The key to this success has been the Quality Bus Partnership comprising the major operators and the authorities of Poole, Bournemouth and Dorset.  The authorities have, with Department for Transport funding, invested in infrastructure (high quality shelters, real-time passenger information and bus priority) whilst the bus operators have increased frequencies and invested £2.7 million in new low floor buses with luxury seating, CCTV and smartcard ticketing.  These improvements have attracted new passengers for whom the bus is a mode of choice, and has led to a flourishing commercial bus network.

Similar changes to travel behaviour have been seen in Brighton & Hove, where a package of measures including flexible multi-trip ticketing, network simplification/branding, extensive bus priority, increased frequencies on busy routes and improvements to passenger facilities saw bus patronage increase from 30.2 million journeys in 2001 to 41.1million in 2009/10.

Darlington, Peterborough and Worcester were designated by the Department for Transport as Sustainable Travel Towns where a programme of measures was implemented between 2004 and 2009, intended to reduce car use.  These are medium-sized (all with populations of 140,000 or smaller), free-standing towns, comparable with Maidstone.  Detailed before/after travel surveys of over 4,000 residents in each town gave the following key results[3]:

·         Car driver trips fell by 9% per person, and car driver distance by 5-7%, compared with a fall of about 1% in medium-sized urban areas nationally during the same period;

·         Bus trips per person grew by 10% to 22%, compared with a national fall of 0.5% in medium-sized towns;

·         Cycling trips per person grew by 26% to 30% in the three towns, compared to a decline elsewhere; and

·         Walking trips per person grew by 10% to 13% compared to a national decline.

During the same period, six Cycling Demonstration Towns were also designated (Aylesbury, Brighton & Hove, Darlington, Derby, Exeter and Lancaster with Morecambe).  Evaluation indicated a 27% increase in cycling across all six towns between 2005 and 2009.  The proportion of adults doing any cycling increased by 14%. In schools involved in the Bike It programme, the proportion of pupils cycling to school on a regular basis increased by 126%[4].

Promote modal shift

4.8      The implications of changing behaviour are that people shift from using the private car for the majority of towards using more sustainable modes of transport where possible and appropriate.  The private car continues to be the primary means of transport in the rural areas but relatively minor shifts in mode can make a significant difference in terms of congestion particularly with regard to trips to the urban area for work and leisure.  

Improve network efficiency

4.9      As part of the holistic approach promoted by the ITS, improvements should also be made to the existing road network, including major new investment on links where appropriate.  The strategy incorporates a programme of road and junction improvements.

5.        Roles and Responsibilities

5.1      Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) is the Local Planning Authority for the borough and also has delegated responsibility for Civil Parking Enforcement under the Traffic Management Act 2004, Park and Ride services, street cleaning, the licensing of taxis and private hire vehicles, the provision of bus shelters and the monitoring of air quality.

5.2      Kent County Council (KCC) is the local highway authority for Kent and is responsible for the management and maintenance of all adopted roads in the county other than motorways and trunk roads. KCC is also the local transport authority for Kent and actively promotes alternatives to car-based travel to improve the accessibility, sustainability and efficiency of the highway network. Motorways and trunk roads in England are the responsibility of the Highways England (formerly the Highways Agency).

5.3      Approximately 80% of bus services in Kent are operated on a wholly commercial basis by local operators and neither the Borough nor the County Council plays a direct role in their provision.  However, MBC and KCC have signed a Quality Bus Partnership Agreement with the borough’s principal commercial bus operator, Arriva, which commits all parties to invest jointly in local bus services and supporting infrastructure.  The remaining 20% of services are classified as ‘socially necessary’ and are procured by KCC to provide access to essential services.

5.4      Maidstone’s rail services are operated as part of the Integrated Kent Franchise, which is specified and led by the Department for Transport (DfT). The franchise is currently held by Southeastern, and this was recently extended until 2018.

6.        Policy Context

National and local policy context

6.1      This section briefly outlines the current policy context within which the ITS has been developed and identifies how it can contribute to the delivery of their key objectives. 

National Planning Policy Framework 2012[5] and National Planning Practice Guidance 2014[6]

6.2      The Department for Transport (DfT)’s stated vision is for:

“A transport system that is an engine for economic growth, but one that is also greener and safer and improves quality of life in our communities.”[7]

6.3      The Department is working towards delivering a number of priorities in line with this vision, which includes the following;

“Encourage sustainable local travel. Encourage sustainable local travel and economic growth by making public transport (including light rail) and cycling and walking more attractive and effective, promoting lower carbon transport and tackling local road congestion.”

6.4      This vision has been carried forward into the Government’s National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) published in 2012, which replaced the previous suite of Planning Policy Statements, Planning Policy Guidance notes and certain Circular Guidance. The NPPF emphasises the importance of rebalancing the transport system in favour of sustainable transport modes, whilst encouraging local authorities to plan proactively for the transport infrastructure necessary to support the growth of ports, airports and other major generators of travel demand.

6.5      The NPPF recommends that Transport Assessments and Travel Plans should accompany applications for developments that generate significant amounts of movement, although it recognises that the opportunities to maximise sustainable transport solutions will vary from urban to rural areas.

6.6      This advice is reinforced in the National Planning Practice Guidance published in 2014, which gives more detailed guidance on how to approach the assessment of the transport implications in the preparation of new local plans.         

  How the ITS contributes:

·         Implementing strategies to rebalance the transport system in favour of sustainable transport modes

·         Clear transport requirements to be considered to support growth

Vision for Kent 2012-2022 (2012)[8]

6.7      The Vision for Kent is a countywide strategy for the social, economic and environmental wellbeing of Kent’s communities. It has been written around three major ambitions, which are to:-

1) Grow the economy by supporting businesses to be successful, including improvements to the transport network and the provision of high-speed broadband;

2) Tackle disadvantage by fostering aspiration rather than dependency, including the provision of comprehensive, reliable and affordable public transport services providing access to education and employment opportunities; and

3) Put the citizen in control by involving people in making decisions and working with them to design services that meet their needs and suit them, including the continued provision of KCC’s Member Highway Fund and support for community bus and rail schemes.  

How the ITS contributes:

·         Implementing strategies to rebalance the transport system in favour of sustainable transport modes

·         Clear transport requirements to be considered to support growth

 

Maidstone Sustainable Community Strategy 2009-2020 (2013)[9]     

6.8      MBC’s Sustainable Community Strategy (SCS) sets the overall strategic direction and long-term vision for Maidstone in a way which respects the need for sustainable development. The SCS acknowledges that congestion in the borough has become an increasing problem and that the overriding aim of an integrated transport strategy must be to provide genuine transport choice to the area’s residents, businesses and visitors. These driving principles are reflected in the three priorities for Maidstone outlined in the SCS:-   

a)        For Maidstone to have a growing economy;

b)        For Maidstone to be a decent place to live; and

c)        Corporate and customer excellence.

These are supported by the 2015-2020 Strategic Plan:

PRIORITY 1 - Keeping Maidstone Borough an attractive place for all

 

PRIORITY 2 - Securing a successful economy for Maidstone Borough

How the ITS contributes:

·         All the actions of the ITS support the priorities outlined above through improvements to the transport network

Kent County Council

           Growth without Gridlock: a Transport Delivery Plan for Kent 2010[10]

6.9      Growth without Gridlock outlines KCC’s high level vision for the transport network needed in Kent to support planned growth in housing and employment over the next 20 years. It responds to the economic and regeneration pressures outlined in the County Council’s Framework for Regeneration and identifies how transport interventions can contribute to their alleviation. The strategy requests greater transport funding and delivery powers for local transport authorities and calls upon the Government to progress those schemes of regional and national importance, including a Lower Thames Crossing, a long-term solution to Operation Stack and a scheme of Foreign Lorry Road User Charging.

How the ITS contributes:

·         Implementing strategies to address congestion on the network

·         Supporting the need for to find a long term solution to Operation Stack

           Local Transport Plan for Kent 2011-2016 (2011)[11]

6.10    KCC’s strategic approach for Kent’s third Local Transport Plan (LTP3), covering the period 2011 to 2016, was to develop five LTP3 themes aligned to the previous government’s national transport goals. These themes are:-

a)  Growth Without Gridlock

b)  A Safer and Healthier County

c)  Supporting Independence

d) Tackling a Changing Climate

e)  Enjoying Life in Kent

  How the ITS contributes:

·         Implementing strategies to address congestion on the network, improve safety, improve air quality and encourage sustainable transport; all of which can contribute to a better, healthier lifestyles for the Borough’s population

Other Plans and Policies

6.11    The ITS is also aligned to a number of other local plans and policies including:

  Neighbourhood Plans; developed by the parish councils in working partnership with MBC. These set out planning policies for development and the use of land in a local area. Once adopted, a neighbourhood plan becomes part of the development plan for the area. This means that the plan has weight when decisions are made on planning applications. Transport usually forms a feature of these plans.

·                KCC’s Countryside Access Improvement Plan[12];

·                Rail Action Plan for Kent[13];

·                MBC’s Air Quality Action Plan[14].

 

6.12    The Council is also currently preparing a Low Emissions Strategy (LES) which is currently subject to initial public consultation[15] on the areas which it will address. The ITS will contribute towards this document in terms of the promotion of sustainable transport intervention measures. Similarly the future LES, is likely to link to the ITS in areas such as the possible introduction of emission control standards for public transport vehicles and taxis and the promotion of low emission vehicles and infrastructure.      

6.13    The ITS will also contribute to the future preparation of an Active Travel Plan for the Borough. The Active Travel Plan will seek to promote active travel (walking, cycling and the use of Public Transport) as a means of increasing physical activity across the life-course and to achieve the positive health benefits that will accrue. KCC is coordinating and promoting Active Travel initiatives across the County as part of its work-stream. 


 

7.        Strategic Objectives

7.1      The key priorities and policy context described above provide the basis for five objectives which seek to deliver in line with a vision which may be summarised as:

Realising Maidstone’s sustainable future; connecting communities and supporting a growing economy’

Objective 1: Enhancing and Encouraging sustainable travel choices including:

A:    The development, maintenance and enhancement of walking and cycling provision, through network improvements and encouraging uptake amongst the population;

B:    The development, maintenance and enhancement of public transport provision, including Park and Ride, encouraging uptake amongst the population;

C:    Promotion and education regarding walking, cycling and public transport travel options;

D:    Ensuring that the provision of parking is fair and proportionate, considering the needs of all users, whilst also encouraging sustainable travel choices; and

E:     Place sustainable travel options at the heart of all new developments within Maidstone, to ensure a fully integrated network that puts pedestrians, cyclists and public transport users at the centre of any transport proposals.

Objective 2: The enhancement of strategic transport links to, from and within Maidstone.

Objective 3: Ensure the transport system supports the growth projected by Maidstone’s Local Plan.

Objective 4: Reducing the air quality impacts of transport.

Objective 5: Ensure the transport network considers the needs of all users, providing equal accessibility by removing barriers to use.

 

 

 

 

8.        Current Issues

Challenges to be addressed by the ITS

8.1      Maidstone is a dynamic borough, set within both an urban and a rural context, which has a vital role to play in the significant growth expected in the South East over the next two decades. The borough currently has a population of 155,143[16], which is evenly split between the County Town and its rural hinterland, including the five Rural Service Centres (RSCs) of Harrietsham, Headcorn, Lenham, Marden and Staplehurst. Whilst the town’s main function is as a centre for business, retail and administration; the rural economy is characterised by pockets of manufacturing, horticulture and farming.

8.2      Maidstone has been identified as a regionally important transport hub; however its transport network has come under increasing strain in recent years, principally on account of the configuration of its road and rail networks and the growing demand for travel generally.  In order for the borough to have an emphasis on sustainable transport access in line with national priorities and to accommodate the level of housing and employment growth envisaged by the Local Plan, a comprehensive and deliverable transport strategy must be in place to address these challenges.

8.3      As noted above, the transport challenges faced by Maidstone are not uncommon across the UK and include:

  Increasing congestion as a result of population growth and an over reliance on the private car present a cost to the economy in terms of lost time, environmental degradation and associated health costs resulting from poor air quality and inactivity. Congestion is a problem of road traffic outgrowing capacity. However it is widely acknowledged across the industry that this problem cannot be solved by simply providing more road capacity as in the absence of demand restricting measures, traffic is expected to always outgrow capacity.[17] Hence the need for an integrated transport strategy that tackles the transport challenge through a combination of modes, placing emphasis on sustainable alternatives to single occupancy car use.

  The geography of the borough means that sustainable modes are a more feasible option in some locations and for some journeys than for others. The benefits of shifting trips from single occupancy car use to sustainable modes are manifold and recognised and promoted by Central Government. Examples of these include improved air quality; a healthier population and attractive, safe and secure public spaces.

  Maidstone’s proposed Local Plan provides for 18,560 new homes together with employment growth within the Borough by 2031. The impact on the transport network of these developments needs careful and considered management ensuring the transport systems in place are appropriate, and additional mitigation measures are implemented where required.

Current travel patterns in Maidstone

8.4      The latest Census (2011) asked the people of Maidstone how they travelled to work.  This information provides a valuable data set from which to understanding the background position, and from which to develop the Borough’s targets and objectives going forward.  A summary of Journey to Work Census data is shown below.

MODE

COUNT

%

Work at Home

4,705

4.2%

Underground/Tram

120

0.1%

Train

5,257

4.6%

Bus/Coach

2,945

2.6%

Taxi

222

0.2%

Motorcycle/Scooter

538

0.5%

Car Driver

50,131

44.3%

Car Passenger

3,819

3.4%

Bicycle

935

0.8%

On Foot

9,023

8.0%

Other

395

0.3%

Not in Work

35,141

31.0%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8.5      Specific issues for action may be identified for each mode and topic.

           Highways

8.6      Maidstone has an extensive highway network which provides direct links both within the borough and to neighbouring areas including Ashford, the Medway Towns, Tunbridge Wells and London. Four north-south and east-west ‘A’ roads pass through the town centre and numerous ‘B’ roads run in concentric rings around the town, providing local links to the rural parts of the Borough. Maidstone also enjoys good connections to the motorway network, including direct access to four junctions of the M20, (junctions 5, 6, 7 & 8).

8.7      The Issues:

·         Maidstone has very high levels of car ownership and usage. 84% of households in the borough have at least 1 car, compared with 80% across Kent and 74% in England

·         Heavy reliance on a small number of key junctions; in particular the singular river crossing point in Maidstone’s town centre where the A20, A26 and A229 all meet

·         Congestion on the network

·         The vulnerability of the M20 Motorway during cross-Channel disruption (“Operation Stack”)

·         Low average vehicle occupancy figures

·         High-demand schools with very large catchment areas resulting in high car use for the ‘school-run’

           Walking

8.8           The benefits of walking are numerous, but often under-appreciated – increased physical activity, improved health, livelier town centres, a more vibrant economy are just some of the varied benefits active lifestyles can bring.  Above all a shift to walking has the potential of addressing (peak hour) congestion in the borough. The 2011 Census shows that 15% of trips to work in Maidstone are 2km or less in distance, and yet walking as a mode share is less than 8%, which offers great potential for increasing walking, provided the environment is right.

8.9      The Issues:

·         Relatively low levels of walking trips with 8% of travel to work trips on foot

·         Busy roads act as barriers around the town centre, segregating the residential areas from the core (known as severance).  The current gyratory system to cross the River Medway is complicated for pedestrians to navigate, acting as a barrier for walking trips. Furthermore, the subways provided are unpleasant and poorly maintained.

·         Provision of safe pedestrian routes given the dominance of the car in most of the Borough.

Cycling

8.10   Undertaking a four mile commute to and from work by bicycle rather than by car reduces congestion, brings numerous health benefits and saves half a tonne of Carbon Dioxide a year. The borough currently has a number of cycle routes that link the town centre to the suburban areas including National Cycle Network Route (NCR17) which provides an 11 mile commuter link between Maidstone and the Medway towns; however connections within the town and further afield are limited and there is a lack of cycle parking at key destinations.

8.11    The Issues:

·         Low cycle mode share - 0.8% of Maidstone residents cycle to work according to the Office for National Statistics

·         Limited and disjointed cycle routes into the town centre, with very few off-road options.

·         Limited cycle parking at key locations

·         Provision of safe cycle routes to schools, colleges, employment and retail areas.

Public Transport

8.12    Experience across the UK has shown that bus services of sufficient quality and frequency have the potential to capture a significant proportion of short- and medium-distance trips and to make a strong contribution to the alleviation of peak-time congestion in urban areas. Maidstone has a well-established bus network provided principally by Arriva, together with a number of smaller independent operators. The network is centred on Maidstone town centre and combines high frequency routes serving the suburban estates and longer distance services providing connections to many of the outlying villages and neighbouring towns.

8.13    Three railway lines cross Maidstone Borough, serving a total of 14 stations. The operator of the vast majority of rail services in the area is the South Eastern Franchise holder, Southeastern. The franchise was let by the Department for Transport in 2006 for an initial six year period, which has subsequently been extended to 2018. The principal rail route serving Maidstone town is the London Victoria to Ashford International line (also referred to as the Maidstone East Line), which includes stations at Maidstone East, Bearsted, Hollingbourne, Harrietsham and Lenham, with an average journey time to London of an hour.

8.14    The Issues:

·           Maidstone has three town centre rail stations, but poor inter-urban connections, especially compared with nearby towns in Kent.

·           The town’s rail stations and bus station are not generally well connected to each other, making for a poor interchange experience.

·           Very bus few priority measures – such as bus lanes – exist within the Borough, providing no advantage for bus journeys.

·           Lack of payment options. Most buses only accept cash payment, and in some cases it is not possible to buy a return before 9am.

·           Lack of live departure board information at most bus stops, and limited use of effective smartphone applications including ticket purchasing.

·           Service frequencies beyond the urban core are not convenient for most users.

·           The town’s main bus interchange located at the Mall Chequers Shopping Centre is neither fit-for purpose nor user-friendly. It is not well lit or ventilated and is threatening in character being essentially a tunnel under the Centre linking King Street and Romney Place.  

Park and Ride

8.15    Park and Ride can form a successful component of an integrated transport strategy, and provide an important measure for tackling congestion.  The most important characteristic is a shortage of town centre or workplace parking – or more generally a shortage of parking at the final trip destination. Other characteristics include a limited amount of capacity on the radial routes to the town centre, good quality public transport provision for the ‘ride’ part of the journey, and an integration of Park and Ride into a wider programme of demand management.

8.16    MBC has been operating Park and Ride services in Maidstone since the early 1980s to address the growing peak time congestion in the town centre and these have met with varying levels of success to date. Three sites are currently in operation at London Road (500 spaces), Sittingbourne Road (600 spaces) and Willington Street (400 spaces). However, the Sittingbourne Road site will close in February 2016. A fourth site, Coombe Quarry, was closed in 2007 due to falling patronage.

8.17        At present there are 3 park and ride sides all located within 2 miles of the town centre. Research to understand the key markets for these sites, who is using them and why, is needed to consider if these sites are in the correct location. This is all the more important with the likely closure of the Eclipse Park, Sittingbourne Road, Park & Ride site in early 2016.

Key requirements

8.18    Park and Ride is accessible from all key radial routes into town

8.19    Park and Ride ticket prices must be better value for money than town centre parking

·      Pricing Strategy: At present passengers pay on-board the service, with the parking element of the journey being free.  This means that passengers travelling in groups will have to pay multiple times.  In other locations where P&R users pay to park their cars, groups benefit from just one payment.  In Maidstone, for a group of 2 or more it will likely be cheaper to park in the town centre than use the P&R service.  Consideration should be given to the merits of a pay per car pricing strategy, examples of which are successful in Canterbury, Chelmsford, Oxford and elsewhere.

8.20    Passengers must be provided with an option for returning to their vehicles after 6pm

·      Enhanced timetabling – At present the park and ride services finish at around 6pm with car parks being locked shortly after. This can be prohibitive for commuters requiring more flexibility regarding their journey home, and is not conducive to encouraging leisure usage in the evenings, particularly on Thursdays when many shops offer extended opening hours.

8.21    Bus Priority measures on park and ride routes will be implemented where possible

·      Bus Priority Measures – At present park and ride services have none or limited priorities on their route into and out of town. Reducing the journey time in comparison to private car times will act as an incentive for Park and Ride use.

8.22    Park and Ride routes must be the fastest route into the town centre, serving the High Street as a minimum

·      Routing – The bus routes from the allocated park and ride sites to the town centre should be the fastest route possible, taking into account the location of key destinations in the town centre that passengers wish to be dropped off / picked up at.

           Parking

8.23    The provision of an adequate supply of well-located and reasonably priced car parking is essential to support the borough’s retail economy, to provide a means of access to areas where alternative travel modes are limited or unavailable, and to ensure that mobility impaired persons are able to access key education, employment and leisure opportunities. However, the supply of car parking also drives demand for limited road space and can therefore contribute to traffic congestion and poor air quality, as well as making more sustainable modes of travel less attractive. Therefore it is crucial that MBC and its partners avoid an overprovision of parking, particularly in and around Maidstone town centre.

8.24    The Issues:

·           Only a very small portion of parking available in Maidstone is under direct Council control.  As a consequence, it is difficult to apply a uniform parking policy when the vast majority of spaces are under private ownership.

·           Parking is relatively cheap and plentiful compared with similar sized towns elsewhere. 

·           Lots of the town’s parking consists of small allocations of spaces (50 or less), meaning that they fill up quickly and create additional circulatory traffic of vehicles searching for alternative spaces.


 

9.        Achieving the Strategy

9.1      Key to improving transport conditions in Maidstone Borough is the full involvement of all the stakeholders in providing and utilising transport modes and services. As well as the highway authority (KCC) and the Borough Council, key players are the bus operators, the rail company, interest groups promoting walking and cycling, Parish Councils and community groups.

9.2      Discussions with the significant bus operators in Maidstone are identifying future service enhancements, new routes and operating improvements which will increase the attractiveness of bus travel in both the urban and rural areas. The strategy anticipates the rail service improvements which are planned for Maidstone, including Thameslink, and the introduction of policies in the Local Plan to promote walking and cycling and alternatives to the use of the private car.

9.3      Necessary improvements to the road network will include town centre and other junction projects to accommodate future development and provision within the road network to assist public transport provision. Major road network projects may be considered at the first review of the Local Plan for implementation post 2031, which may include village relief and other road works taking account of the implementation of sustainable transport policies.

9.4      9.4   The County Council who would be charged with establishing the justification for and delivery of such projects, but are not yet in a position to take projects forward. The Borough Council will therefore review the position when the Maidstone Borough Local Plan is first reviewed and determine then whether the project should move forward as a specific Local Plan policy including potential timescales for delivery post 2031.

9.5      The Council will also need to assess at the first review of the Local Plan whether there are any implications for the Borough arising from the potential Lower Thames Crossing project. This is still at a relatively early stage. Highways England is, however, currently evaluating two potential route corridors (the area adjacent to the existing Dartford crossings and to the east of Gravesend). Formal public consultation on the potential route options will take place in early 2016. If accepted as a scheme, subject to funding and the necessary consents (as a significant piece of National Infrastructure), works may commence in 2020/2021 with a potential opening in 2025.      

           The Action Plan

9.6      The strategy leads to an action plan for all modes of transport which will be reviewed and rolled forward on a regular basis.  It is important that the interventions are aligned with the sequence of development proposed in the Maidstone Borough Local Plan.  

9.7      The Action Plan is presented in Section 12.


 

10.      Developing the Modelling Context

10.1    The implications of the ITS on the Borough’s highway network have been tested by using the Maidstone VISUM strategic highway network model to assess alternative transport infrastructure scenarios and their impacts in terms of travel time and distance.

10.2    However, the VISUM model is a strategic highways model in which increases in walking and cycling can only be reflected in an estimation of the number of car trips which may be removed from the road network due to changes in modal share across these areas. Although VISUM can model bus service changes, in assessing the attractiveness of these services it does not take into account bus capacity issues, nor can it model bus priority measures.  Furthermore, as a strategic model it is unsuited to assessing individual junction capacity, or to assess the impacts of proposed infrastructure improvements at those junctions.

Modelling scenarios

10.3    The VISUM model was first developed in 2007/8 to help assess the impact of the Kent International Gateway proposal and the a previous Core Strategy preferred option for new development. It was updated in 2012 and again in 2014 to take account of revised proposals for the Local Plan and to update baseline conditions. .

10.4    ITS actions were then tested in various Do Something (DS) scenarios which identified the changes in impact on the highway network which may be achieved if the Actions are implemented during the plan-period. The final DS scenario may be divided into two variants (DSa) and (DSb) to reflect the inclusion of a potential Leeds-Langley By-pass and the impacts tested with and without this additional provision.

10.5    Both scenarios incorporate the provision of the housing, commercial and retail activity proposed in the local plan for the plan-period to 2031 as follows:

·                18,560 residential units

·                151,000 m² of employment space

·                12,100 m² of retail space

  2031 Do Minimum (DM)

10.6    This base case provides the benchmark for understanding the predicted impact of the ITS on travel demand and network conditions in Maidstone in the future without any significant highways interventions except the proposed bridge gyratory scheme in Maidstone town centre or other transport interventions.

  2031 Do Something (DS) 

10.7    The DS alternatives model a range of highway improvements and the sustainable transport initiatives in the ITS, although it was not possible to model all of these initiatives in VISUM.  The key modelling assumptions were:

·         typical 10 minute bus frequency on radial corridors;

·         discounting of walk/cycle trips to be based on a distance threshold of 5km within the town centre; and

·         50% increase in long-stay parking charges.

10.8    The results of modelling identify the implications of the actions promoted in the ITS, ensuring that the Borough’s aspirations for sustainable transport are achieved and that the impact of demand growth on the future transport network can be mitigated.

  Strategic modelling results

10.9    KCC has provided a summary of the VISUM model results based on two network performance indicators for the AM peak period: 

·         Travel distance (vehicle km)

·         Travel time (vehicle hours)

10.10  However, it must be stressed that these indicators are insufficient to obtain a full understanding of the modelling results for the DS alternatives.  Other indicators, including the number of person trips and vehicle trips as well as traffic flows and travel times on individual links, must be considered also.  It is understood that further details on the model outputs will be forthcoming, but the following paragraphs summarise the information made available to date.

10.11  The results for the DM scenario indicate an increase in network travel time during the AM peak of 38% in 2031 relative to the 2014 baseline, from 8,300 to 11,400 hours.  However, the DM scenario was based on the original housing allocation of 17,381 units.  With an allocation of 18,560 housing units, a slightly larger increase than 38% could be expected.

10.12  For scenario DSa (with the Leeds - Langley By-pass), the network travel time during the AM peak is increased to 9,300 hours in 2031.  This represents an increase of 6% relative to the 2014 baseline, but a reduction of 18% relative to the 2031 DS scenario.

10.13  For scenario DSb (without the Leeds-Langley By-pass), the network travel time during the AM peak is increased to 9,800 hours in 2031, a reduction of 14% relative to the 2031 DS scenario.

Localised junction modelling

10.14  As noted above, VISUM is a strategic highway model and as such is unsuited to the assessment of individual junction capacity. Accordingly, additional junction capacity assessments have been undertaken using the Linsig, ARCADY and PICADY modelling software packages for specific locations around the Borough which have been identified as being potentially sensitive to future traffic flow changes.   

A274 Sutton Road

10.15  The A274 Sutton Road and A229 Loose Road already experience traffic congestion, particularly at peak times, largely due to the capacity of the signalised junctions.  Linsig models have been built for the four signalised junctions on the A274/A229 corridor, namely:

·         A229/Armstrong Road/Park Way;

·         A229/A274/Cranborne Avenue;

·         A274/St Saviour’s Road; and

·         A274/Wallis Avenue/Willington Street.

10.16  With no changes to the existing highway infrastructure, background growth in traffic flows combined with additional traffic associated with new developments on the corridor will make congestion worse, both in duration and intensity (i.e. longer periods of queuing and much longer queues). 

10.17  A package of highway capacity improvements has therefore been developed to mitigate the impacts of increased traffic flows.  To complement these capacity improvements for general traffic, bus priority proposals have been developed (described in paragraph 11.25) which will protect buses from residual queues and delays, contributing to quick and reliable bus services toward Maidstone town centre, with largely continuous bus priority between Wallis Avenue and Armstrong Road. 

10.18  The impacts of the highway capacity improvements, together with the bus priority proposals, have been tested using the Linsig models.  The model outputs confirm that the bus priority proposals will not affect capacity for general traffic, nor increase queues or delays for other road users.

RSC junction modelling

                    [to follow…]

 

 

11.    Funding, Delivery and Review

Funding Sources

11.1    A key challenge for the ITS will be to ensure that its actions are achievable within the funding that is likely to be available over time.  Anticipated funding sources include:

·         Funding from development – the ITS supports committed and planned growth (paragraphs 11.2 and 11.3) and so funding from development will be critically important to help deliver the strategy.  Section 106 funding will be used to deliver site specific infrastructure and to improve and mitigate the impacts of growth proposals.  In the medium to longer term, the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) will be used to fund more generally the key infrastructure related to growth.

·         Single Local Growth Fund (SLGF) – established in 2015/16, transport funding for the SLGF has been top sliced from central government Local Transport Plan funding for small schemes and from local major scheme funding.  Local Enterprise Partnerships are required to submit bids for SLGF funding for schemes across all areas related to growth, including education and skills, community infrastructure and drainage, in addition to transport.

·         Local Transport Plan (LTP) funding – KCC receives LTP funding for small scale transport improvements.  However, the level of funding has reduced as money has been top sliced into the SLGF.  For 2015/16 to 2017/18, the available Integrated Transport block funding will total £6.8 million per annum for the entire county.

Prioritisation and Delivery

11.2    The Local Plan seeks to deliver 18,560 homes.  Transport interventions should be scheduled in line with the anticipated development of the Local Plan.  Current work on junction improvements serves to evidence that with some 9000 homes delivered or in the pipeline, the impacts can and will be mitigated, and that MBC and KCC are already working together and delivering schemes.

 

11.3    Coupled with some 3000 units planned for broad locations in the Borough at the end of the plan period, and potentially 1000 units as ‘windfalls’, this leaves a total of approximately 5000 remaining units to serve with infrastructure in the early part of the plan period. 

 

Monitoring and Review

11.4    The purpose of any strategy is to have a means of achieving desired results. However, given the complexities and scale of the issues this strategy deals with it is often difficult to identify if the desired results are being achieved. The table identifies targets to monitor the progress of the ITS in achieving its objective. In setting these targets, every effort has been made to ensure they are both realistic but also ambitious, ensuring the best possible level of service is provided to those living within the borough with the indicative funding levels.

 

 

 

 

Target

Description

1

To increase walking mode share in Maidstone from 8% of all work trips to more than 10% of all work trips by 2021 and 12% by 2031. 

2

To increase cycling mode share in Maidstone from 0.8% to more than 2% of all work trips by 2021 and 3% by 2031.

3

To increase public transport mode share in Maidstone from 7.3% to more than 10% of all work trips by 2021 and 12% by 2031.

4

To decrease car driver mode share in Maidstone from 44.3% of all work trips to below 40% by 2021 and below 37% by 2031.

5

To undertake a full and independent review of Maidstone’s Park and Ride Provision, issue and act upon recommendations by 2017.

6

To double the number of electric charging points in Maidstone by 2021 and to double again by 2031.

 

           Data to monitor the above will be sourced from traffic management updates; school and workplace travel plans; future census data; and bus patronage data from bus operators.  Future footfall and traffic surveys conducted by KCC will also provide important interim data to monitor how progress is being made towards the general aims and objectives of the ITS.


 

12.      Action Plans

12.1    The chart below outlines the actions to be taken in order to deliver the objectives of this strategy. These actions have been categorised by mode, but an integrated approach is required to tackle Maidstone’s transport issues with success reliant on the actions being implemented in conjunction with each other.

12.2        Actions will be phased so that they will be implemented either over the short, medium or long term.  These actions will be crucial to ensuring that Maidstone functions effectively both as the County Town of Kent and as a regionally important transport hub. 

12.3        The ITS actions are summarised below, followed by full details of each action:

No.

Area

Action description

W1

Walking

Provision of accessible pedestrian routes for all users.

W2

Walking

Improve pedestrian accessibility across the River Medway in Maidstone town centre.

W3

Walking

Implement public realm improvement schemes within the town centre, such that pedestrian access is the primary mode within the central core of Maidstone.

W4

Walking

Identify priority areas for implementation of safety improvements to reduce road traffic collisions involving pedestrians and cyclists.

W5

Walking

Actively encourage and promote walk-to-school initiatives.

W6

Walking

Improve street signage with better pedestrian wayfinding and a reduction in footway clutter.

C1

Cycling

Maintain and further develop a strategic cycle network, connecting the town centre to key facilities and residential areas. 

C2

Cycling

Maintain and further develop cycle routes in rural service centres, connecting local amenities and transport hubs (rail stations and bus stops) to housing.

C3

Cycling

MBC and KCC to work with partners to ensure the regular maintenance of all cycle tracks within the Borough.

C4

Cycling

(a)  All Year 6 children will have access to Level 1 and 2 Bikeability training, and children in Year 6 will have access to Level 3 training.

(b)  Adult cycle training will continue to be offered, through initiatives including workplace travel planning.

C5

Cycling

Support the Maidstone Cycling Forum as a group to promote the cycling cause in the Borough.

C6

Cycling

Improve cycle security and parking at all key transport hubs and public amenities (including schools, healthcare facilities and retail locations).

C7

Cycling

Encourage employers to incorporate cycling into Workplace Travel Plans.

C8

Cycling

Promote cycling in schools through School Travel Plans.

C9

Cycling

Ensure all cycle routes are fully advertised and signposted within the Borough.

C10

Cycling

Revise and update the “Explore Maidstone Walking and Cycling Map” to extend coverage to the wider Borough and indicate destinations in neighbouring local authorities.  Map to be available both electronically and in paper format.

C11

Cycling

Standardise and clarify the requirements of planning applications with respect to the provision of walking and cycling facilities, to promote the use of these active travel modes.

C12

Cycling

MBC, KCC and the Maidstone Cycle Forum to identify opportunities to establish local cycling events.

C13

Cycling

MBC and KCC to identify locations throughout the cycle network where new automatic cycle counters should be installed to enable a detailed analysis of usage.  Installation to proceed as resources allow, but each new cycle infrastructure proposal will be assessed to see if an additional counter should be added to augment the data gathering process.

PT1

Public Transport

Provide bus priority measures on strategic routes linking the town centre to residential developments and key local amenities.

PT2

Public Transport

Facilitate an improvement of bus services to ensure a good frequency of service is provided on all radial routes to the ton centre within the Maidstone Urban Area.

PT3

Public Transport

Increase the proportion of schoolchildren using the bus to get to school.

PT4

Public Transport

Continue to engage with and facilitate Statutory Quality Bus Partnership Schemes in Maidstone.

PT5

Public Transport

Improve rail station access for pedestrians and cyclists.

PT6

Public Transport

Improve the frequency and quality of bus services between Maidstone town centre, M20 Junction 7 and Sittingbourne/Faversham

PT7

Public Transport

Provision of a North West Maidstone Bus Loop

PT8

Public Transport

Promote the provision of high quality bus services from the rural service centres

PT9

Public Transport

Lobby Government and train operating companies (TOCs) for improved rail services to Maidstone.

PT10

Public Transport

Improve bus facilities at Maidstone East and Maidstone West train stations to maximise interchange capabilities.

PT11

Public Transport

Work towards an improved bus station in Maidstone town centre.

PT12

Public Transport

Better Public Transport Information/Marketing including on-line/mobile ticketing and journey planning apps. 

PR1

Park & Ride

Comprehensive review of Park and Ride in Maidstone.

PR2

Park & Ride

Initiate discussions with land-owners for park and ride facilities and coordinate with provision of high quality long distance bus services to maximise customer usage

P1

Parking

Introduce and adhere to Parking Standards.

P2

Parking

Optimise long stay parking charges to extract maximum value from parking charges, whilst controlling demand.

P3

Parking

Maintain the current level of parking space provision in the town centre.

H1

Highways

Targeted implementation of highway improvements at key strategic locations to relieve congestion and to aid public transport.

H2

Highways

Maintain and develop Maidstone’s Intelligent Transport Systems and the proactive sharing of real time traffic and transport information with road users to manage congestion.

H3

Highways

Facilitate and promote the expansion of the County Hall CarClub service to meet any identified increase in demand on an annual basis.

H4

Highways

Actively promote and encourage car sharing initiatives

H5

Highways

Ensure road safety education continues to be provided for across the borough.

H6

Highways

Installation of additional electric charging points to promote electric car use.

H7

Highways

Working with Kent County Council in assessing the need and justification for a Leeds-Langley Bypass with a view to identifying the potential and possible timescales for such a scheme at the first review of the Maidstone Borough Local Plan.

 


 

           Walking

The Actions:

More detailed treatment of the walking and cycling actions are presented in the Walking and Cycling Strategy at Appendix 1.  

Action W1: Provision of accessible pedestrian routes for all users

12.4        The pedestrian network should provide equal access for all users.  Achieving this outcome will require the removal of physical obstacles and the introduction of more accessible elements to the pedestrian environment including dropped kerbs, tactile paving and wide footways. Step free access should be provided for all key routes, making use of ramps and lifts as appropriate.

Action W2: Improve pedestrian access across the River Medway in Maidstone town centre

12.5        The provision of better pedestrian routes across the Medway would encourage walking between the different areas of the town centre and local housing developments. Enhancing the ability for pedestrians to easily traverse the river improves the connectivity of the town centre, not only encouraging walking but contributing to economic benefits through better accessibility between businesses and retail outlets on either side of the river. The Council is working with KCC on the Bridges Gyratory scheme to ensure that pedestrian (and cycle) access across the river is not compromised.   

12.6        The pedestrian bridge connecting Maidstone East and Maidstone Barracks Station has recently undergone refurbishment to improve the pedestrian environment. Further areas for improvement include:

·         continuing to develop the River Medway towpath to improve both the pedestrian and cyclist experience; and

·         investigation of the benefits of building a pedestrian bridge to improve connectivity over the River Medway between Earl Street and St Peter’s Street.

Action W3: Implement public realm improvement schemes within the town centre, such that pedestrian access is the primary mode within the central core of Maidstone

12.7    One of the most important ways of making streets more attractive is to reduce the dominance of vehicles. This can be achieved by restricting traffic, slowing it down and making drivers more aware of other road users by changing the carriageway/pavement distinction to a ‘shared space’, where no user has priority. Ideally, people should be able to walk wherever they want to, by the most direct route, with as little conflict with traffic as possible.

12.8    Accessible and attractive town centre streets not only enhance the pedestrian experience, but through encouraging pedestrian movement, public realm improvements can make a vital contribution to the regeneration of the commercial centre. MBC has recently successfully completed its High Street Public Realm Scheme, which has revitalised the High Street and now supports future growth in nearby businesses.  Building on this success, MBC also has aspirations to upgrade the upper half of Week Street (further towards Maidstone East Station) and Gabriel’s Hill.

Action W4: Identify priority areas for implementation of safety improvements to reduce traffic collisions involving pedestrians and cyclists

12.9    Personal injury collision data will be reviewed to identify significant clusters of collisions involving pedestrians and cyclists and to analyse the main causes of these collisions.  This review will be used to develop a priority list of locations (e.g. road junctions, pedestrian crossing locations) where the upgrading of pedestrian facilities is required.

Action W5: Actively encourage and promote walk to school initiatives

12.10  MBC is a sponsor of the KM Charity Group ‘Walk to School’ which seeks to encourage more parents and children to walk to school. Across the County since its inception, the Charity has resulted in:

·              40,000 children and families being involved;

·              600,000 green journeys annually; and

·              250,000 school run car journeys removed. 

12.11  As school induced traffic has a significant impact on the road network during peak times, schemes such as these contribute greatly to managing traffic congestion.

12.12  MBC will appoint a school travel plan champion to work with schools in reducing car trips undertaking the “school run”. 

Action W6: Improve street signage with better pedestrian wayfinding and a reduction in footway clutter

12.13  Numerous columns for street signs and street furniture can prevent the free flow of pedestrian movement and create hazards and unnecessary barriers.  There is scope to rationalise street signage and street furniture to reduce the number of columns and general street clutter to provide more footway space. 

12.14  Efficient wayfinding can encourage walking and cycling through providing people with the information they need to navigate the town successfully, and understand the journey times between locations. Having clearly branded, consistent, wayfinding throughout the town not only provides information and reassurance to those less familiar with the area, but also adds to the overall experience of the public realm.

Cycling

The Actions:

12.15  More detailed treatment of the walking and cycling actions are presented in the Walking and Cycling Strategy at Appendix 1.

Action C1: Maintain and further develop a strategic cycle network, connecting the town centre to key facilities and residential areas

12.16  Maidstone should have a comprehensive, safe, cycle network in order to facilitate and encourage cycle journeys. At present the borough has a number of cycle routes focused on the urban area, however these are often disjointed with limited off road options. Delivering a strong strategic cycle network requires:

·         Maintenance and enhancement of existing cycle infrastructure. Reviewing cycle routes and links already in place ensuring:

·         Existing gaps in the network are addressed, providing safe and continuous linkages to known destinations e.g. The Oakwood Park Education Campus.

·         Routes are unimpeded by street furniture, pavement parking and other obstructions

·         Routes are maintained clearing cycle ways of hazardous defects and overgrown vegetation

·         Appropriate signage is in place to clearly identify cycle routes

·         Development of new strategic cycle routes to and from the town centre from key residential and employment sites encouraging cycling as a commuting option. Key strategic links required to further enhance Maidstone’s cycle network include:

o   The South East Cycle Link, developing a route into Maidstone from Langley along the Loose valley to connect with the Loose Greenway Scheme that is being progressed.

o   The River Medway Towpath Scheme from Barming Bridge to Allington (together with links at key points along this route form either side of the River Medway) 

o   B2246 Hermitage Lane Cycle Lane.

o   A route linking Kings Hill to Maidstone Town Centre along North Pole Road, North Street, South Street Barming, through to Rectory Lane and Fant Farm to Upper Fant Road Maidstone.

o   Reviewing Traffic Regulation Orders to examine whether cycles can be better accommodated on parts of the existing highway network; e.g. across Barming and Tovil footbridges and along Week Street (out of shopping hours).   

·         Enhancement of leisure cycle facilities and routes, to further encourage cycling as a leisure pursuit. Providing appropriate cycle facilities at key recreation areas, including Mote Park, with a specific focus on improving the riverside paths and routes along the Medway. Longer term possibilities include; 

o   extension of the Medway Towpath Scheme from Barming Bridge to Yalding;

o   a signposted route from Lenham to Headcorn, Staplehurst, Marden, Laddingford and Yalding across the southern part of the Borough;

o   a signposted route across the North Downs from the Stockbury valley/Hucking to Wichling/Otterden with connections to Swale and Lenham.

Action C2: Maintain and further develop cycle routes in rural service centres, connecting local amenities and transport hubs (rail stations and bus stops) to housing

12.17  The borough has a number of rural service centres, and cycling facilities within these are variable. Local communities should have the following facilities in place to encourage cycling for short localised trips;

·         Cycle routes to schools

·         Cycle routes to railway stations

·         Cycle parking provision at schools, railway stations and bus stops (where frequent interurban services are available/planned)

·         Cycle parking provision at key local amenities (eg. Health care, retail and recreation sites)

12.18  The following specific local cycle improvements have been identified to be addressed:

·         Harrietsham: implementation of a cycle route between the primary school and rail station;

·         Staplehurst: implementation of a cycle route connecting the rail station to the residential area to the south of the Lodge Road Industrial Estate;

·         Staplehurst: provision of cycle parking at the village shops;

·         Headcorn: shelter for cycle parking provided at the railway station;

·         Hollingbourne: provision of cycle parking at the station;

·         Marden: additional cycle parking provision at the railway station;

·         Bearsted: additional cycle parking provision at the railway station;

·         Maidstone Hospital: additional cycle parking; and

·         Maidstone West: additional cycle parking provision at the railway station.

Action C3: MBC and KCC to work with partners to ensure the regular maintenance of all cycle tracks within the Borough.

Action C4: (a)      All Year 6 children will have access to Level 1 and 2 Bikeability training, and children in Year 6 will have access to Level 3 training. (b) Adult cycle training will continue to be offered, through initiatives including workplace travel planning.

Action C5: Support the Maidstone Cycling Forum as a group to promote the cycling cause in the Borough.

12.19  In January 2015 the Maidstone Cycling Forum was re-launched providing an arena to discuss local cycling issues. Continued support and involvement in the forum provides valuable insight into local cyclist’s perspectives and issues, which can feed into making informed decisions regarding the development of Maidstone’s cycle infrastructure.

12.20  The forum also actively promotes cycling through building a strong cycling community hosting regular events that encourage cycling across the borough, and raising awareness of the existing and emerging cycle facilities.

Action C6: Improved cycle security and parking at all key transport hubs and public amenities (including schools, healthcare facilities and retail locations)

12.21  Sufficient secure cycle parking is essential if people are to be motivated to cycle. The type of parking provided should be considered in relation to the user profiles; in short stay locations simple Sheffield stands can provide a convenient means for cyclist to park up, however in locations where it is likely cycles will be left for long time periods more sheltered parking or lockers can be more appropriate.

Action C7: Encourage employers to incorporate cycling into Workplace Travel Plans

12.22  Currently 0.8% of Maidstone residents cycle to work according to the Office for National Statistics. Travel plans provide an opportunity to improve levels of cycling by improving cycling facilities at employment locations. KCC currently offers advice and support to business, schools and other organisations on travel planning advocating, not just the wider transportation, but also the business benefits of implementing travel plans. Such plans are encouraged as they can include commitment to improving cycling facilities including secure parking, bike lockers and shower facilities; all of which help make cycling a realistic commuting option for employees.

Action C8: Promote Cycling in Schools through School Travel Plans.

12.23  Getting children involved in cycling and providing education on safe cycling is important in developing a longer term cycling culture within the borough.

12.24  The council will look to encourage and promote cycle education in schools including, Bikeability, a national cycle training course provided at a local level by KCC at primary and secondary schools across Kent. Aimed at children in year 6 and above, the courses give children the skills to make safer choices when cycling and to enjoy the freedom of riding a bike. Bikeability courses are also available for adults. Nationally, over 1.7million people have benefited from the training.  

Action C9: Ensure all cycle routes are fully advertised and signposted within the Borough.

           Action C10:  Revise and update the “Explore Maidstone Walking and Cycling Map” to extend coverage to the wider Borough and indicate destinations in neighbouring local authorities.  Map to be available both electronically and in paper format.

Action C11:  Standardise and clarify the requirements of planning applications with respect to the provision of walking and cycling facilities, to promote the use of these active travel modes

Action C12:  MBC, KCC and the Maidstone Cycle Forum to identify opportunities to establish local cycling events

                     Action C13: MBC and KCC to identify locations throughout the cycle network where new automatic cycle counters should be installed to enable a detailed analysis of usage.  Installation to proceed as resources allow, but each new cycle infrastructure proposal will be assessed to see if an additional counter should be added to augment the data gathering process.

 

Public Transport

  The Actions:

           Action PT1: Provide bus priority measures on strategic routes linking the town centre to residential developments and key local amenities

12.25  Bus priority measures are vital to delivering a network that encourages public transport use, through ensuring journey times can compete with private car use. Allowing buses to bypass key areas of congestion through the use of bus lanes and/or junction priority measures, provides passengers with a clear advantage, while also contributing to improved air quality through less congested bus journey times. Key areas identified for bus priorities measure include:

·                     Sutton Road, Northbound, between Willington Street and Wheatsheaf Junction: This would make a significant contribution to improving the speed and reliability of buses operating on this busy corridor and would directly serve the South East Maidstone strategic housing allocation proposed in the Local Plan. Proposals include:

·                     The incorporation of bus priority measures into the capacity improvement schemes for the junction of Willington Street/Wallis Avenue and the A274 Sutton Road

·                     Limited widening at the St Saviours Road junction by lengthening the left turn flare lane and a relocation of the bus stop and making it left turn only with an exception for buses going straight ahead

·                     The addition of a length of bus lane (or widened road) between Wallis Avenue and St Saviours Road

·                     Provision of a bus lane (or widened road) from St Saviours Road to Mangravet Avenue.

·                     Relocation of the bus stops at the end of Mangravet Avenue as these are not well related to pedestrian crossing movements or the existing population at Grove/Road Mangravet Avenue.

·                     Provision of a bus lane from Mangravet Avenue to the end of the existing bus lane on Sutton Road, which would be widened and a pinch-point removed outside Maidstone Cemetery

·                     Bus pre-signal on the in-bound approach to the Wheatsheaf junction on Sutton Road.

·         Loose Road between Wheatsheaf and Sheals Crescent: The provision of northbound and southbound bus-lanes where possible.  This would make a significant contribution to improving the speed and reliability of buses operating on this busy corridor.

·         Romney Place bus lane: Romney Place is not designed as a major through route and its heavy use during peak periods causes significant congestion on Lower Stone Street delaying buses seeking to access The Mall Chequers Bus Station. It also causes hazards to pedestrians seeking to cross Romney Place at its junction with Lower Stone Street. The implementation of an eastbound bus lane, in place of the existing carriageway lane, will ease congestion and improve access times for buses routing along this road to the bus station, while also positively impacting on air quality.

           Action PT2: Facilitate an improvement of bus services to ensure a good frequency of service provided by high quality buses is provided on all radial routes to the town centre within the Maidstone Urban Area

12.26  Ensuring a frequent bus service encourages public transport use, improving passenger perceptions of the convenience and robustness of using buses, through essentially allowing more flexibility in their use of the service. The frequency needs to be regular enough to prevent the timetabling acting as a deterrent to passenger use. The improvements in passenger numbers driven through frequency improvements has been seen on existing bus routes in Maidstone which have seen patronage increase with frequency enhancements. The following routes and frequencies should be provided (at a minimum in the peak hours):

·         A20 London Road – 7-8 minute frequency (Currently at this frequency).

·         A274 Sutton Road – 6-7 minute frequency; Currently 8 minutes on part; to be expanded when housing schemes progress and to be combined with the bus priority measures outlined in PT1.

·         A229 Royal Engineers Way (to and from the Medway Towns) - 10 minute frequency (currently Service 101 (Sapphire standard) is on a 12 minute frequency).

·         A26 Tonbridge Road – 7-8 minute frequency (currently 10 minutes. Work with service providers to upgrade service to Sapphire standard (or equivalent). 

·         A229 Loose Road – 10 minute frequency Potential to increase frequency of 89 service from Coxheath from every 20 to every 15 mins. Potential to increase service 5 from Staplehurst to a half-hour frequency.

·         A249 Sittingbourne Road (to and from Sittingbourne/Faversham) – 15 minute frequency coupled with the promotion and an increase in frequency of services 333 and 334 from Sittingbourne and Faversham. Work with the service providers to upgrade service to Sapphire standard (or equivalent).

·         A20 Ashford Road – 20 minute frequency

           Action PT3: Increase the proportion of schoolchildren using the bus to get to school

12.27  Travel to and from schools creates significant pressure on the highway network, which requires intervention to encourage alternative travel arrangements to car drop-off and pick-up.  KCC currently provides the following bus passes, to encourage and promote bus travel among young people:

·         Young Persons Travel Pass - provides travel on almost all public bus services in Kent for an annual fee of up to £250 for young people living in the county who are in academic years 7 to 11.

·         16+ Travel Card - provides subsidised bus travel for 16-19 year olds continuing with education or vocational training. The card costs up to £400 per annum.

These need to remain in place to continue to manage school travel patterns, reducing the congestion caused by travel to and from schools.

           Action PT4: Continue to engage with and facilitate Statutory Quality Bus Partnership (QBP) schemes in Maidstone

12.28  The QBP was set up to improve and facilitate communication and decision making regarding bus service provision in the Maidstone area. Attendance by representatives from KCC, HE, MBC and Bus operators allows collaborative discussion of any bus related matters and MBC will continue to engage with this group.

           Action PT5: Improve rail station access for pedestrians and cyclists

12.29  Rail stations need to be accessible by all modes of transport, including suitable walking and cycling routes between local housing and local stations. The stations themselves require sufficient parking to meet demand without actively encouraging car access over more sustainable modes. Basic cycle parking should be provided as a minimum, with significant secure provision at key strategic rail stations. The following locations have been identified as priorities for station access improvements:

·           Barming Station – Enhanced Pedestrian and Cycle access required to inter link with station with existing and proposed development in the local area and hospital. In particular the provision of the pedestrian crossing near the station is required to ensure a safe pedestrian route across the busy Hermitage Lane to the station.

·           Staplehurst - A new pedestrian and cycling link between the railway station and the residential area to the south of the Lodge Road Industrial Estate, with improvements to the ease and quality of bus/rail interchange within the vicinity of the railway station.

·           Harrietsham Station - New pedestrian and cycling link between Harrietsham Primary School and Harrietsham railway station.

           Action PT6:  Improve the frequency and quality of bus services between Maidstone town centre, M20 Junction 7 and Sittingbourne/Faversham

12.30  The Council will seek through appropriate s106 obligations to secure improved frequency and quality of bus services between Maidstone Town Centre and M20 Junction 7 area and to Sittingbourne/Faversham and vice versa. This will require the provision of three additional buses/drivers to ensure a minimum 15 minute service frequency between the M20 junction 7 area and the Town Centre thus increasing frequency of service to Faversham and Sittingbourne to every 30min respectively. 

12.31  Funding for the enhancement should be provided for five years. The Council will work with and encourage the bus operator to upgrade the service between Sittingbourne and Faversham to a ‘Sapphire’ standard of service or equivalent (which should include dedicated drivers, upgraded seating, the availability of free wi-fi and at-seat charging facilities).  Improvement to the existing signalised junctions at New Cut Road/A20 Ashford Road and A20 Ashford Road/Square Hill by upgrading signals and/or their control systems will also be secured. 

           Action PT7Provision of a North West Maidstone Bus Loop

12.32  The Council will seek through appropriate s106 obligations to secure funding for 5 years for the operation of a ‘bus-loop’ service in north west Maidstone connecting Maidstone Hospital and the new housing sites on or adjacent to Hermitage Lane and London Road to Maidstone Town Centre along London Road via a bus gate on Howard Drive Allington. This is likely to be achieved by the extension of existing service 79 from London Road/Allington westwards and/or service 85 northwards beyond Maidstone Hospital where it currently terminates or the re-routing of service 60 which currently runs along London Road to Hermitage Lane via Coldharbour.

Action PT8Promote the provision of high quality bus services from the rural service centres

12.33  A key objective for the strategy is the promotion of alternatives to private vehicle commuting into Maidstone through the provision of high quality fast bus services from the rural service centres and major villages.  Opportunities for bus facilities should be provided at village railway stations to increase interchange capability.

Action PT9: Lobby Government and train operating companies (TOCs) for improved rail services to Maidstone

12.34  South-eastern operates train services in the Kent region including Maidstone. At the end of 2014 South-eastern had their existing rail franchise extended to June 2018. This extension included the provision of better services to Maidstone by the addition of direct Maidstone East to London Blackfriars services. Whilst a small improvement, previous connections to Cannon Street and London Bridge have still been lost, and the frequency of service to Blackfriars is poor. 

12.35  High Speed 1, where Southeastern serves many Kent towns into and out of St Pancras via Ebbsfleet in most cases does not benefit Maidstone.  It is now possible to travel from Ashford to London in less than 40 minutes, whereas MDE to Victoria still takes more than 50 – even though Ashford is many miles further from London than Maidstone.  To correct this imbalance, in the run up to the refranchising MBC will review rail services and lobby the government for enhancements to Maidstone services in the new franchise timetable. The extensive upgrade work, as part of the Thameslink programme, also provides an opportunity to lobby for improved connections to the capital via Blackfriars and St Pancras.

Action PT10Improve bus facilities at Maidstone East and Maidstone West train stations to maximise interchange capabilities.

12.36  Improvements are necessary to improve the bus interchange capabilities at both Maidstone East and Maidstone West stations to provide for new or enhanced bus services from outside the Maidstone urban area can terminate.  Bus facilities should be incorporated into redevelopment plans for  these major town centre locations. 

           Action PT11: Work towards an improved bus station in Maidstone town centre

12.37  In the short term (1-2years), the Council will work with the landowners of the Mall Chequers Shopping Centre and service providers to secure significant improvements to the existing bus station to improve its attractiveness and ease of use.  

12.38  In the medium term, the Mall Chequers Shopping Centre and adjoining land, where the current bus interchange facility is located is earmarked for potential redevelopment towards the latter end of the Local Plan period. As part of the regeneration of the site and area, the Council will work with the Centre’s owners (and other land owners that may be affected) together with the public transport operators to secure the provision of a new bus interchange facility that is more accessible, user-friendly and fit-for purpose in the light of the desire for improved bus service provision and patronage across the Borough. 

           Action PT12: Better information and marketing of public transport options

12.39  Work with KCC, neighbouring authorities and bus operators to implement an integrated, cohesive approach to the provision of information and mobile ticketing, including:

·           Real time bus information

·           Journey planning apps

·           Maintaining informative, up to date websites

Improving the availability and ease of use of on-line/mobile app ticket purchasing.       

Park and Ride

The Actions

           Action PR1: Comprehensive review of Park and Ride in Maidstone

 

12.40  Maidstone is committed to making Park and Ride a successful part of the towns transport network and in order to do this a full review of the existing service is required to understand the reasons behind the current limited patronage, and decide upon the optimum measures that will be implemented to enhance the service. The review will include the following possible interventions. 

Action PR2:  Initiate discussions with land-owners for park and ride facilities and coordinate with provision of high quality long distance bus services to maximise customer usage

12.41  Discussions should be initiated with appropriate land-owners for the provision of park and rail facilities as part of major commercial and other developments in the Maidstone urban area.  This could include potential provision at M20 Junction 7 which would be served by a high quality bus service between Maidstone and Sittingbourne/Faversham.

           Parking

The Actions:

           Action P1: Introduce Parking Standards to ensure a means by which development can ensure an appropriate amount of parking is provided and reduce the overall demand for car parking

12.42  The new Parking Standards will ensure that the needs of car users are adequately met but also that the agreed level of provision does not undermine more sustainable modes of travel where these are readily available. However, where there is no alternative to use of the private car, the Standards will enable a fair and appropriate amount of parking to be provided.  The Standards will also provide for developments’ cycle parking requirements, as well as ensuring that they incorporate electric vehicle charging infrastructure where appropriate.  Interim parking standards (the KCC produced SPG4 2006 and the Kent Design Guide Review Interim Guidance Note 3) were adopted in 2015 pending a review of the standards following adoption of the Local Plan.

           Action P2: Optimise long stay parking charges to extract maximum value from parking charges, whilst controlling demand

12.43  This action will look to increase long stay parking tariffs (4+ hours) and season ticket tariffs for Council owned car parks by 50% (excluding inflation) by 2031. This will contribute towards the management of demand for private vehicle trips into the town centre and is directed at encouraging car commuters to consider walking, cycling or using public transport as an alternative. This will have the effect of better managing traffic congestion and related problems in the town centre during peak periods.

           Action P3: Maintain the current level of parking space provision in the town centre.

12.44  There is currently a very high level of parking provision within Maidstone.  It is proposed that there should be no net increase in the quantum of parking available in the town over the period of this strategy as a means of discouraging car use from current and new developments.


 

  Highways

           The Actions:

           Action H1: Targeted implementation of highway improvements at key strategic locations to relieve congestion

12.45  Through the identification and enhancement of key strategic junctions, congestion on the road network can be reduced. Regardless of development a number of the town’s junctions are subject to high levels of congestion in the morning and evening peaks.

12.46  The key junctions and proposed interventions are set out in the table below. The funding sources are also referenced in the Infrastructure Delivery Plan and Maidstone Borough Council and Kent County Council will work together to secure the early delivery of these improvements within the next three years, primarily through S106 agreements and potential Growth Fund applications. 

 

Junction

Aim

Intervention

IDP ref:

Maidstone Town Centre

Town Centre Bridges Gyratory A229/A20/A26

Capacity improvements.

New northbound link to bypass the gyratory.

LEP Local Growth Fund and MBC Contribution (New Homes Bonus)

Maidstone Urban Area – M20 Junction 7 Strategic Area

A249 Bearsted Road roundabout and Bearsted Road/New Cut Junction

Capacity improvements.

Signalisation of New Cut roundabout. Provision of a new signal pedestrian crossing and combined foot/cycle way between New Cut & Bearsted roundabouts.

Provided under 13/1163.

Dual carriageway between A249 and New Cut Junctions

Capacity improvements.

Additional carriageway/revised junction arrangements.

Provided in connection with Newnham Court.

M20/Junction7

Capacity improvements.

Signalisation of roundabout, widening of coast bound off-slip and creation of new signal controlled pedestrian route through junction.

Provided under 13/1163.

M2 Junction 5 Improvement

Capacity improvements.

 

13/1163 - £44.7k

Maidstone Urban Area – South East Maidstone Strategic Area

A229/A274 Wheatsheaf junction

Capacity improvements.

Close exit to Cranbourne Avenue and potential widening to two lanes of northbound approach on A229 Loose Road.

14/503167 - Proportion of £108k also split between Loose Rd/Boughton Lane & approaches to TC.

A229/Armstrong Road

Capacity improvements.

Works on the approaches to the Town Centre between the Wheatsheaf junction and the bridge gyratory traffic signal junctions.

14/503167 - Proportion of £108k also split between Loose Rd/Boughton Lane & approaches to TC.

A274 Willington Street junction

Junction capacity improvements.

 

13/1149 - £180k                                      13/1523 - £30k                                  13/0951 - £55.8k

A274 Wallis Avenue junction

Junction capacity improvements.

 

A274 Corridor

Bus journey time reliability.

Bus priority measures: Widening of the inbound carriageway of the A274 Sutton Road between the junctions of Wallis Avenue and Loose Road, incorporating bus prioritisation measures from the Willington Street junction to the Wheatsheaf junction, together with bus infrastructure improvements

13/1149 - £1.8m                                  13/1523 - £300k                            13/0951 - £558k

Maidstone Urban Area – North West Strategic Area

A20/Coldharbour Lane junction

Capacity improvements.

Junction capacity and signals/left hand turn lane off A20 to M20 junction 5 link road.

13/1702 - £338K split between A20/Coldharbour & A26/Fountain Lane.

13/1749 - £676K.                    14/501209 - £189k  14/500412 - £29.4k split between A26/Fountain Lane & Coldharbour

A20/M20 Junction 5

Junction capacity and signals

 

14/501209  £12k (Towards J5 improvements on the M20)

A20/M20 Junction 5

Capacity improvements.

Interim improvement to M20 J5 roundabout including white lining scheme

13/1702 - £21.5k        13/1749  - £43K  

A20/B2246 Hermitage Lane junction

Junction capacity improvements

 

 

A26/Fountain Lane /Hermitage Lane junctions

Capacity improvements.

Changes to accommodate right turn vehicles within the junction introduction of MOVA and pedestrian sensing.

13/1702 - £338K split between A20/Coldharbour & A26/Fountain Lane.                                                             13/1702 - £96.2k

13/1749 - £200k    14/500412 - £29.4k split between A26/Fountain Lane & Coldharbour

Rural Areas

A229 Linton Crossroads

Capacity improvements.

Works on junction approaches.

14/0566 - £108k

A20 Harrietsham

Works to improve safety and pedestrian/cycle access

 

14/0828 - £399k

A274 North Street/Kings Road Headcorn

Capacity improvements.

Signalisation

 

Junction of Oak Lane and Wheeler Street Headcorn

Safety improvements.

 

S278 under 13/1943

Highway schemes associated with Lenham area

Capacity/safety improvements.

TBC

 

A229 Station Road/High St/Headcorn Rd and Marden Rd Staplehurst

Junction capacity improvements.

 

 

Hampstead Lane/Maidstone Rd Junction

Capacity improvements.

Provision of right turn lane on Hampstead Lane.

 

 

           Action H2: Maintain and develop Maidstone’s Intelligent Transport Systems and the proactive sharing of real time traffic and transport information with road users to manage congestion

12.47  KCC is committed to building on the success of the Maidstone Urban Traffic Management and Control (UTMC) system to continue enabling the County and Borough Councils to maximise the capacity of the existing road network and to respond proactively to incidents. In doing so, both Councils will seek to make use of new and emerging technology to share real-time traffic and travel information with road users and facilitate informed journey choices. KCC will also continue to work closely with Highways England to ensure that the management of the strategic and local road networks is fully integrated.

Action H3: Facilitate and promote the expansion of the County Hall Car Club service to encourage an increase in demand on an annual basis

12.48   MBC currently includes two pool cars and two pool bikes – which can be reserved for use by any member of staff.  Usage of these vehicles is low relative to similar schemes elsewhere in the UK. However, utilisation of Zipcar amongst KCC staff is encouraging, and recent acquisition of electric vehicles has proven popular.  KCC are looking to procure additional contract services to enhance this scheme in due course.

           Action H4: Actively promote and encourage car sharing initiatives

12.49  Maidstone has one of the highest rates of single occupancy car use in the county with 52% of vehicle trips having only single occupants.  In order to lower this rate and to incentivise higher car occupancy KCC manages ‘kentjourneyshare’; a free web-based service which links drivers, passengers, walkers, cyclists and taxi users who make similar journeys and encourages them to share their trip.

12.50  Additionally, KCC manages the ‘New Ways 2 Work’ scheme (of which MBC is a founding member) which is a collaborative partnership of Kent businesses, local authorities, transport providers and other organisations for encouraging sustainable travel choices.  This scheme essentially promotes sensible and efficient use of vehicles and road space to enable traffic to keep moving.  This will be maintained indefinitely and can be accessed at http://newways2work.org.uk

           Action H5: Ensure road safety education continues to be provided for across the borough

12.51  Improving road user behaviour continues to be the main priority within KCC’s approach to further reducing road accident casualties. The priority concerns and challenges that have been identified through the analysis of crash and casualty data and wider research findings are: speed, road user impairment, and anti-social values.

12.52  For the period 2010-2020, KCC has therefore committed to preparing a three-year rolling programme of activities that uses the individual and combined effects of education, training and publicity in an intelligence-led manner. Accident data and research findings will be used to guide priorities, to identify key target groups and to determine the most effective ways of communicating with them.

12.53  Kent County Council will lead collective partnership working through the Kent and Medway Casualty Reduction Group (CaRe Group) to improve road user behaviour through public education activities including publicity campaigns, public engagement projects and public relations strategies.

           Action H6: Installation of additional electric charging points to promote electronic car use

12.54  There are 2 units currently installed outside Sessions House (one is serving the car club, one is available for public use), 2 units in Invicta House car park available to the public at weekends, one unit at Maidstone Leisure Centre and two units have been installed in the MBC car park. In addition, there is also one charging point installed at the KCC Aylesford Highway Depot, although this is mainly for use by KCC employees. 

12.55  There are also several additional points on or close to the motorway network (including a model specific fast-charge facility at Eclipse Park close to M20 Junction 7) and at some local hotels, but KCC/MBC have not been involved in these installations.  MBC will work closely with KCC to expand the number of electric charging points across the Borough through the life of this Strategy.

           Action H7:  Leeds Langley By-pass

12.56  With regard to a potential Leeds-Langley Bypass road scheme, Kent County Council will establish the justification for and delivery of such a project and it is considered, that although further assessment is required, delivery of such a project may be feasible post 2031.  The Borough Council will work with the County Council in identifying the potential as well as possible timescales for such a scheme at the first review of the Maidstone Borough Local Plan and determine then whether the project should move forward as a specific Local Plan policy.

 

 

 

appendices

Appendix A:  Walking and Cycling Strategy

 



[1] As of 30 September 2015 some 8,941 dwellings have already been completed or permitted since 1 April 2011.

[2] Eurotransport Magazine, Volume 13, Issue 5 (2015), Increasing bus patronage through partnership working and RTPI

[3] Sloman, L. et al (2010), The Effects of Smarter Choice Programmes in the Sustainable Travel Towns: Summary Report for Department for Transport.

[4] Department for Transport/Cycling England (2010).  Lift Off for Cycling:  Headline Results. http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20110407094607/http://www.dft.gov.uk/cyclingengland/cycling-cities-towns/results/

[5] Department for Communities and Local Government (2012), National Planning Policy Framework

[6] Department for Communities and Local Government (2014), National Planning Practice Guidance

[8] Kent Forum (2012), Vision for Kent 2012-2022

[9] MBC (2009; Refreshed July 2013), The Sustainable Community Strategy for Maidstone Borough 2009-2020

 

[10] KCC (2010), Growth without Gridlock – A Transport Delivery Plan for Kent

[11] KCC (2011), Local Transport Plan for Kent 2011-16

[12] KCC (2007), Countryside Access Improvement Plan 2007-2017

[13] KCC (2011), Rail Action Plan for Kent

[14] MBC (2010), Maidstone Town Air Quality Action Plan

[16] Usual resident population as per 2011 Census

[17] Goodwin, P (2004) The Economic Costs of Road Traffic Congestion. A Discussion Paper Published by the Rail Freight Group. ESRC Transport Studies Unit, University College London