Transport - South Ashford

October is International Walk to School Month

southashfordcf 1 October 2016 0 Comments

Thousands of children across the world will be celebrating walking to school.

Why the walk to school matters

Happier children

It’s been proven that children who do some form of exercise, especially a walk before school, do better in class because they arrive refreshed, fit and ready to learn.

Less congestion

During morning peak traffic times, one in five cars on the road are taking children school, contributing to congestion, air pollution and carbon emissions.

Cleaner air

The school run alone is responsible for generating two million tonnes of CO2 per year. Imagine what we could achieve if we began converting some of these rides to strides?

#WalktoSchool

Children, Environment, Health, News, Transport, Wellbeing

Getting through

southashfordcf 28 September 2016 0 Comments

Rubbish bin not emptied?

A minor inconvenience.

House burns down?

A devastating, life changing experience.

On some occasions, the council is unable to empty your bin because vehicles are blocking access to the road.

But if a refuse truck can’t get down the road, neither can a fire engine at a time when you might really need it to. Just a small delay could result in unimaginable consequences.

We know parking can be tight on roads. But please think about whether a large vehicle can get through next time you park.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service is working with Canterbury City Council and Serco to make people
aware of the need to leave space for our fire engines and refuse trucks when parking on narrow streets.

Emergency, News, Safety, Transport

M20 closed this weekend

southashfordcf 1 September 2016 0 Comments

M20 collapsed bridge The M20 will be closed between junction four and junction two in both directions on Friday, September 2 at 8pm until Monday, September 5 at 6am.

This is to allow Highways England to remove the remaining section of the footbridge following an incident on Saturday.

The diversion route for London-bound traffic will be directed across to the M2 via junction seven (A249) junction six (A229) and finally junction four, (A228).

The diversion route for coast-bound traffic will be signed around the M25 to use the M2/A2.

There will be a solid closure on the M25/M26 (J5). There will also be solid closures at junction three M25/M20 and on the fast slip on the M25.

Finally there will be a solid closure on the M20 and M26 at junction two.

Please allow extra time for your journey whilst the closure is in place.

Kent County Council 01 September 2016

Kent County Council, News, Transport

Managing freight vehicles through Kent

southashfordcf 15 August 2016 0 Comments

Overview

Over recent decades, the number of lorries crossing the English Channel has increased seven fold. Nearly 90% of all UK roll-on, roll-off international freight goes through the Strait of Dover and that puts 11,000 lorries per day on Kent’s roads1. There are projections that by 2025 the number of these lorries could double.

Usually the road network copes well. But unexpected events cause problems, as there is little slack in the system.

Extra parking has recently been provided at the Port of Dover and Eurotunnel, but we expect that severe weather, security threats or industrial action will still mean that queues of lorries have to be held on the M20 using a procedure known as Operation Stack. This happened on 32 days in 2015.

Operation Stack can cause significant problems as it shuts the M20. Kent residents struggle to get to work or school, to medical appointments or to carry out everyday tasks. People from further afield get held up or delayed and businesses are affected.

This consultation is about plans to alleviate the problems caused by Operation Stack by designing and building a dedicated lorry holding area at Stanford, near Folkestone. In almost all cases, this will keep Kent residents moving and get rid of traffic congestion caused by cross-Channel disruption. Businesses keep investing in the area and jobs can be created, leading to greater prosperity both in Kent and internationally. (more…)

Consultation, News, Transport

Have your say on getting around in the county

southashfordcf 8 August 2016 0 Comments

The people of Kent are being asked whether they agree with Kent County Council’s priorities for the future of transport in the county.

A public consultation of the Local Transport Plan launches today (Monday) and runs until October 30.

The plan is broken down into five main sections:

Transport in Kent – sets out KCC’s achievements so far, anticipated growth in the county and the background to transport issues.
Strategic priorities – sets out KCC’s priorities which include A2 Bean and A2 Ebbsfleet junction upgrades and Crossrail extension, a new Lower Thames Crossing, splitting Dover port traffic between the M20/A20 and M2/A2 routes as well as expansion of the port, journey time improvements in Thanet and a parkway rail station, Ashford International Station signalling, and general rail and bus improvements.
Kent-wide priorities – sets out KCC’s approach to road safety, highway maintenance, home to school transport, and its policy on aviation.
District priorities – sets out district transport schemes that have been identified as necessary in each district.
Funding Sources – sets out what funding sources are available and alternative funding strategies.

(more…)

Consultation, Kent County Council, News, Transport

Roadworks Chart Road 15 August

southashfordcf 1 August 2016 0 Comments

Southern Gas Networks are undertaking gas main replacement in Chart Road between 15 August and 26 August 2016. During the works, that will be taking place opposite the Brunswick Road Junction, two-way traffic signals will be used to control the flow of traffic and Bruswick Road will be closed at the junction.

/www.kent.gov.uk/roads-and-travel/travelling-around-kent/roadworks

Kent County Council, News, Transport, Utilities

Parking consultation

southashfordcf 8 June 2016 0 Comments

Ashford Borough Council, as agents working on behalf of Kent County Council is proposing to make a Traffic Regulation Order which will bring into force amendments to parking controls in Ashford, Charing and Tenterden.

A notice giving details of the changes proposed by this Traffic Regulation Order and plan(s) showing the extent of changes within South Ashford are attached to this email. A copy of the proposed Order and supporting documents, including the statement of reasons for making this Order and plans showing the extent of proposed changes may be inspected on line at www.ashford.gov.uk/parkingconsultation ➚ under ‘Amendment 2’. Hard copies of deposit documents will also be available to view at the addresses and times listed below. (more…)

Ashford Borough Council, Kent County Council, News, Transport

KCC Active Travel Strategy Consultation

southashfordcf 18 May 2016 0 Comments

Kent County Council’s (KCC) Active Travel Strategy aims to make active travel an attractive and realistic choice for short journeys in Kent. By developing and promoting accessible, safer and well-planned active travel opportunities, this Strategy will help to establish Kent as a pioneering county for active travel.

Active Travel means walking or cycling as a means of transport in order to get to a particular destination such as work, the shops or to visit friends. It does not cover walking and cycling done purely for pleasure, for health reasons, or simply walking the dog. Active travel can be for complete journeys or parts of a journey.

More people travelling actively can lead to a range of positive outcomes. These include improved health, reduced traffic congestion, reduced pollution and financial savings.

Have your say

KCC want to know what you think of their draft Active Travel Strategy, and the ambition and actions outlined within it. (more…)

Consultation, Kent County Council, News, Transport

Wheelz, motorbike event

southashfordcf 7 April 2016 0 Comments

wheelz Motorbike fanatics are in for a treat as Wheelz, a special motorcycle event, is taking place in Ashford.

Whether you’re an experienced motorbike or scooter rider, or you’re considering learning to ride, Wheelz is a fantastic opportunity to pick up some safety riding tips, see great bike displays, grab some fun freebies and meet other motorbike enthusiasts. The event will also help motorcyclists understand road safety and remind them of the importance of wearing the appropriate riding gear.

The event, which is free to attend, will include lots of exciting activities including motorbike displays and demonstrations, Well known bike retailers will be also in attendance including Dexerity, Laguna and Alexandra Motorcycles. Visitors can visit their stalls and ask for advice and tips on bike related issues. (more…)

Ashford Borough Council, News, Safety, Transport

Helping make travel cleaner, greener and cheaper

southashfordcf 2 April 2016 0 Comments

A new website has launched with the aim of reducing congestion, tackling air pollution, and saving time and money on journeys in Kent.

Kent Connected boasts many features, from advice and tips on changing and improving travel habits, to a journey planner that provides a range of travel options comparing time, costs, CO₂, and calories burned.

Ambitions: we all have them

Kent Connected’s is to improve your journey in Kent.

They are passionate about making your journey easier, saving you time and money and reducing congestion. Sound impossible? It’s not! There are so many ways that you can achieve this, all while helping to improve the environment and your health through sustainable or active travel choices. (more…)

Environment, Kent County Council, News, Transport