Kent unveils 20 year transport strategy

12 November 2009

Kent County Council intends to extend the ‘shared space’ philosophy across the county following the success of its high-profile Ashford scheme.

In its transport strategy, which aims to achieve an integrated network over the next 20 years, Kent outlines plans to build on the success of the scheme and implement low emission zones in its urban centres.

Geoff Mee, Kent’s director of integrated transport strategy, told Surveyor: ‘We’d like to plant the Ashford philosophy in the town centre in a way which is tailored to them.’

He said he was confident the quality streetscape scheme would work as an economic catalyst and change the face of the town centre, ‘once we’re out of the recession’.

The council will consider charging high emission vehicles during peak periods in towns and identify possible sites for low emission zones, which could be created through a combination of engineering and technology. Once shared space has created an ‘immediate reduction in emissions’, electric vehicles would further improve air quality, Mr Mee said. ‘Why are there no electric rubbish trucks? These are the kind of vehicles we want to introduce.’

The strategy proposes linking both sides of the Thames Estuary with a Kent and Essex orbital fastrack guided bus service, once the Government has determined the timing and location of an additional Lower Dartford Crossing. This integrated public transport network would serve the major regional shopping centres, as well as Basildon, Thurrock, Southend, Dartford, and Gravesham.

Elsewhere, all Kent schools will have travel plans by 2010 and the council will investigate staggering school hours to reduce peak traffic levels.

On road charging, Kent said: ‘While we may consider charging schemes as a solution to tackling congestion and providing funding for improvements, we will continue to monitor central government progress on this issue.’ The strategy has gone out to consultation to all district councils and major stakeholders.

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