The Planning Projects and Delivery Manager introduced the report.  It was explained that the report provided an update on the 44 actions within the Integrated Transport Strategy (ITS).  Following an appraisal of risk to delivery, 9% of the actions had been rated as a “red” risk.  The key actions within the ITS that required Officer attention were:

·  H1 “Targeted implementation of highway improvements at key strategic locations to relieve congestion and to aid public transport.”

·  PT1 “Provide bus priority measures on strategic routes linking the town centre to residential developments and key local amenities.”

·  PT2 “Facilitate an improvement of bus services to ensure a good frequency of service is provided on all radial routes to the town centre within the Maidstone Urban Area.”

The Committee commented that a significant update on the progress of the Maidstone Integrated Transport Package (MITP), which contained measures in the ITS, was to be considered at the Maidstone Joint Transportation Board on 10 July 2019.  Furthermore, the Committee stated that it was important that the Thameslink service to London Bridge was delivered, while lobbying for a service to Cannon Street was not necessary.

In response to a question from the Committee, the Planning Projects and Delivery Manager explained that required changes to the actions would be considered as part of the overall review of the ITS.  This would be considered as part of the Local Plan Review Programme.

RESOLVED: That:

1.  The progress made to date on the actions contained within the Maidstone Integrated Transport Strategy (ITS) be noted.

2.  Officers focus their efforts on advancing specific ITS actions H1, PT1 and PT2.

3.  The “Route Corridor Walking and Cycling Assessment: The A20 London Road, Maidstone (May 2019)” (Appendix 2) be agreed and approved for publication.

Voting: Unanimous