Last summer we held a drop-in meeting at the East Malling Institute Hall to enable residents to share their concerns regarding traffic related issues on High Street, Chapel Street and Wateringbury Road.  We collected data via questionnaires which we subsequently analysed.  Following further fact-finding and research we prepared a detailed 27 page report setting out the whole range of issues including speeding, congestion and pollution, pedestrian safety, unsuitable use by HGVs, and property damage – and presented a series of suggested solutions for discussion.  

While there could be some ‘quick wins’, in general terms the problems affecting this route are complex and, in our view, most of the individual issues cannot be looked at in isolation but must be looked at in the round in order to achieve meaningful improvements.  In some respects this will require co-operation from both Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council as well as Kent County Council.

We are determined to make sure that the voices of residents are heard and that KCC understand the cumulative impact of traffic related issues in this area, and the need to look at the matter now – particularly bearing in mind the increased pressure of development in the local area which will see traffic volumes increase yet further.

The Report has been sent to Kent Highways and we now wait to hear from them as to how matters can be taken forward.