Kent County Council ‘KCC’ has held a consultation on their transport strategy. Sadly, we did not find it particularly inspiring with a heavy focus on roads and very little on rail. Below we’ve extracted some of the key points we’ve made.
Question – Do you support our new draft Local Transport Plan? – Partly
Overall, the plan continues to focus on transport by car as the main priority. There is limited focus on increasing and improving public transport options, whilst the plan notes some of the limitations of rail and buses, it does little to promote and build on their potential. The plan states its aims to decarbonise travel, reduce emissions etc however does little to demonstrate the link between to this in its proposals. The commentary on rural, isolated areas does not appear to be a factor in proposals which appear to be linked to larger population areas.
There are missed opportunities such as highlighting the capacity crunch on the rail corridor between Tunbridge Wells and Orpington. Network rail forecast that this area of the network would be full by 2024. Covid probably pushed this back a few years but there is no feasible plan to address the additional demand that further house building will generate.
Question – If you would like to make any comments on the proposals for Sevenoaks or would like to suggest any new proposals for consideration in our Local Transport Plan, please tell us in the box below.
There appears to be limited recognition that improvements to the Tonbridge to Redhill line could considerably change transport options for residents and increase connectivity across the region. Currently there are different operating companies managing small parts of what is effectively a larger route, joining these and extending to Gatwick would potentially unlock considerable potential both in income generation, reduction of car journeys and environmental impacts.
Local bus services are near on non-existent, compiled with a reduced train service means residents are forced onto the road.
Electrification of the Uckfield to London Bridge, as well as increasing frequency on this line would also benefit all parties.
Question – If you would like to make any comments on the proposals for Tonbridge and Malling or would like to suggest any new proposals for consideration in our Local Transport Plan, please tell us in the box below.
There appears to be limited recognition that improvements to the Tonbridge to Redhill line could considerably change transport options for residents and increase connectivity across the region. Currently there are different operating companies managing small parts of what is effectively a larger route, joining these and extending to Gatwick would potentially unlock considerable potential both in income generation, reduction of car journeys and environmental impacts.
Do you agree with our comments? Feel free to comment below or email us at enquiry@tonbridgecommuters.org.uk