Agenda item

Andrew Loosemore (Head of Highways) was in virtual attendance for this item.

1.    Mr Brazier introduced the report which updated the committee on the position regarding temporary road closure applications and the actions taken since the previous report to the committee on 8^th November 2022.

2.    The chairman moved and Mr Lewis seconded a motion that the Cabinet Committee “note the report and recommend that the Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport investigate the feasibility of the following measures for reducing the number of road closures in Kent:

1.    Roads should only be closed when workers are present unless the works go all the way across the carriageway.

2.    Whenever possible roads should be reopened when workers are not present such as at weekends and after hours.

3.    Every road closure permit issued should have a condition of late evening work and weekend work to shorten the period of disruption.

4.    The works on a site should be staged so that work which does not need closure is done before moving to the one metre safety rule needing closure on the opposite carriage way.

5.    There must be better coordination between the main contractors whose schedules should be rearranged so that when one works behind road closed signs as many others as possible do their work at the same time.

6.    Discover ways to get around the one metre rule, for instance with ramps on pavements or verges, allowing traffic to move partly over them.

7.    There should be more unannounced inspections of diversions with penalties for inadequate signage and routing.”

3.    The motion was agreed without a vote.

4.    Mr Brazier agreed to provide an updated report to the committee’s next meeting, taking account of the recommendations and whether or not the suggestions would be implementable, factoring in legal and safety considerations.

RESOLVED to note the report and recommend that the Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport investigate the feasibility of the following measures for reducing the number of road closures in Kent:

1.    Roads should only be closed when workers are present unless the works go all the way across the carriageway.

2.    Whenever possible roads should be reopened when workers are not present such as at weekends and after hours.

3.    Every road closure permit issued should have a condition of late evening work and weekend work to shorten the period of disruption.

4.    The works on a site should be staged so that work which does not need closure is done before moving to the one metre safety rule needing closure on the opposite carriage way.

5.    There must be better coordination between the main contractors whose schedules should be rearranged so that when one works behind road closed signs as many others as possible do their work at the same time.

6.    Discover ways to get around the one metre rule, for instance with ramps on pavements or verges, allowing traffic to move partly over them.

7.    There should be more unannounced inspections of diversions with penalties for inadequate signage and routing.