OBJECTIVES

The purpose of the proposed collaboration is to reduce both the speed and volume of traffic using the lanes within this area, and thereby,

• to improve safety for all, and especially near schools and play areas
• to encourage other users (walking, cycling and riding) in the lanes
• to permit quiet enjoyment of our local environment.

There are already several ‘rat-runs’ in this area, used by both cars and larger vehicles. It is recognized that additional measures will probably be necessary to calm a number of these lanes within an overall Quiet Lanes approach. The project process therefore is designed to proceed in phases.

We Seek: -

1. A reduction in danger and nuisance from a) rat-runs, b) speeding traffic and c) heavy goods vehicles, on inappropriate routes,
2. A network of Quieter Lanes and Paths for pedestrians, cyclists and equestrians to use safely,
3. The improved use of the area for rural pursuits .

Our Strategy: -

1. To develop a long term Action Plan (5 to 10 years) with prioritized proposals to ‘improve amenity value of area for residents and visitors’ and get it ‘adopted in principle’,
2. Phase 1 to comprise a modest number of proposals with high impact throughout the area, to propose for consideration under KCC rural packages,
3. Seek other funding for ‘attractive’ proposals from appropriate sources with specialist partners (e.g. horse societies, cycling groups, rambler associations),
4. After each implementation monitor impact to justify further steps, until objectives sufficiently well achieved.

 Generic requirements: - 

1. Keep the rural, for example a minimum of lighting, urban features and signage,
2. Speed restrictions (in all lanes) and especially through hamlets and past schools,
3. Better roadside footways for safety and convenience,
4. Better and safer cycling routes to and from Maidstone,
5. Connect footpaths better and make well signed round routes,
6. Improve access to footpaths e.g. with kissing gates for access by the elderly and disabled rather than styles,
7. Improve horse round-routes, possibly by sharing footpaths where appropriate,
8. Use gateway features and natural materials in low cost DIY calming structures, e.g. pinch points.

Benefits: -

1. Increased rural tranquillity within walking distance of Maidstone,
2. Improved safety for all road users including school children, pedestrians, cyclists,
3. Improved quality of life through less noise, risk and pollution from vehicles ,
4. Improved access to lanes for pedestrians and cyclists and horse riders,
5. Less damage to properties from HGV’s pushing through impossible lanes ,
6. Less road maintenance costs as loaded trucks cause an over-whelming proportion of the wear and tear on minor roads,
7. Greater use of amenities for leisure purposes.

 Possible disadvantages:- 

1. Longer journey times for some through motorists ,
2. Longer journeys for large HGV’s,
3. Increased delivery costs within area.

Our proposal is therefore to create a network of ‘Quiet Lanes’ to encourage walking, cycling and horse riding and to calm traffic through the villages, re-routing lorries where necessary.

Copyright Tramp Maidstone 2003.
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Last updated: February 24, 2004.