MPC Highways Improvement Plan
Parishes have been asked by Kent Highways to put together a "Highways Improvement Plan" (HIP) which Marden PC has now completed and submitted to Kent Highways. Over the past few months residents have contacted Marden PC with concerns over highways issues and these have been added to the list along with other problem areas. Unfortunately this submission does not automatically mean that the work will be undertaken but it is hoped that it will be assessed as to whether it meets KCC highways criteria and costed.
This document is reviewed annually and priorities are passed to Kent Highways to review and undertake if funding allows. If you have anything you wish to be considered please let Ali know.
As a result of a recent concern raised by a resident, the issue of speeding in Battle Lane has now been added to the HIP (see updated version below).
Marden Parish Council have been asked by Kent Highways to provide a Priority List (maximum 5) of highways issues for Kent Highways to consider each year and, after a meeting held in June with Kent Highways we are waiting further information on the following priorities:
- School Parking/Restrictions – the issues of parking outside the school are well documented and a plan is being considered by Kent Highways for intermittent single yellow line restrictions between 8am to 9am and 2pm to 4pm to be implemented. This will go for pre-consultation engagement for a DYL (10m/15m on the bend) and SYL for passing places. The intermittent SYLs would help with lorries being able to pull over and Kent Highways could also assist with a School Travel Plan.
- Pattenden Lane Junction – the Parish Council has paid for the design fee for the narrowing of the junction at Church Green and we are awaiting further information from Kent Highways.
- Maidstone Road Village Gateway – Costings are being obtained from Kent Highways for the existing village sign by the planter to be upgraded to a gateway.
- Albion Road DYLs - A pre-consultation was held with residents in the vicinity for DYLs on Albion Road and the vast majority of residents were in support of the proposal for DYLs from Stanley Road to Seymour Drive and from Stanley Road to a point agreed with Kent Highways. Kent Highways have agreed to fund but we are still waiting for Kent Highways to advise.
- Underlyn Lane/Maidstone Road HGV Signage – Kent Highways placed the signage in the wrong position when installed and they have now agreed to fund moving the black ‘Pattenden Lane’ sign and the yellow ‘No entrance to Pattenden Lane’ sign.
As previously explained, Kent Highways are supportive, but lack of funding means it is doubtful that many of the identified issues will be resolved soon.