Agenda and draft minutes

(1)       Mr Chard introduced a report which updated the Select Committee on the general progress that had been made in this area since the Select Committee had submitted their report.   Mr Chard explained that he had set up a Rail Forum to give the opportunity to raise issues with the train operator, Southeastern, and Network Rail

(2)       Mr Chard stated that there could be a role for the Members of this Committee in using the knowledge that they have gained through the Select Committee process to inform a discussion on the issues that arose from the meetings of the forum.  There was some discussion around how the Members could assist Mr Chard in getting clarity around the rail issues for Kent.  It was suggested that for a Sub Committee of the KCC’s Environment Highways and Waste Policy Overview and Scrutiny Committee could be established for this purpose.  It was also pointed out that Members of a number of other Select Committees had formed informal advisory groups to directly assist the Cabinet Member.

 (2)      The enormous impact that the introduction of High Speed 1 had had on Kent and Medway was discussed. The savings in journey time varied, with the Ashford service seeing the greatest reduction and benefit.  On the North Kent Line the saving in journey time was only 10 minutes from stations east of Medway, and therefore the take up of this service was not so great. It was acknowledged that some areas such as Maidstone had not benefited from the introduction of this service and in some cases had seen a reduction in service. Mr Sutch stated that overall half of Kent districts had benefited from the introduction of High Speed 1, with the most disadvantaged area being Maidstone and other areas being hardly affected.

(3)       In response to a question Mr Sutch explained that rail-heading did happen to some areas such as Sevenoaks, Paddock Wood and Headcorn, but the expected rail-heading to Ebbsfleet had not materialised; part of the explanation was the cost of parking at Ebbsfleet station. 

(4)       Mr Walters explained that usage of High Speed 1 from Medway was growing slowly as there was less of a clear cut benefit from the service.  He emphasised the importance of the fast service to Cannon Street being retained. 

(3)       The Committee discussed the progress made on each of the 13 recommendations. Mr Chard, Mr Gasche, Mr Walters and Mr Sutch answered specific questions on the action taken to date and action proposed:-

Recommendation 1  

(5)       Mr Walters stated that although there was still some strong negative feeling in Medway about High Speed 1, it was important to put into context with the positive advantages that it had brought. He supported the Select Committee decision to unanimously welcome its introduction.

(6)       In relation to the slow take up on the North Kent Line, Members were informed that that there had been a reduction in the number of carriages on the peak service to and from  ...  view the full minutes text for item 1.