Cabinet Member approval for the establishment of the Statutory Quality Partnership Scheme (SQPS)
How the decision relates to BS4K and Corporate Objectives:
The SQPS contributes to the BS4K objectives of Helping the Kent Economy to Grow and Tackling Disadvantage. It provides the framework for a comprehensive package of improvements to public transport services in the Snodland, West Malling and Kings Hill areas and along the A20 Corridor to Maidstone. The package has been designed to ensure that the level of bus provision is able to accommodate the ongoing housing and employment growth in the Medway Valley area. It will contribute to improved air quality within three Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs) and involve the setting of minimum service quality standards, thereby locking in the benefits of investment by all parties and ensuring maximum return on public investment.
Impact/costs and risks of proposed decision:
The establishment of the SQPS will impose formal duties on Kent County Council, Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council and Arriva to make available, respectively, the facilities and services specified in the SQPS Agreement. For KCC, this is likely to include traffic signal priority for buses and passenger information and facilities at bus stops.
Decision type: Non-key
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Division affected: Malling Central; Malling North; Malling Rural North East;
Notice of proposed decision first published: 31/12/2012
Department: Growth, Environment & Transport
Contact: Paul Lulham, Transport Planner Tel: 01233 614062 e-mail: paul.lulham@kent.gov.uk paul.lulham@kent.gov.uk Tel: 01622 221615.
Consultation process
N/a
Consultees
The Local Transport Act 2008 requires local transport authorities to consult all operators of local bus services that could be affected by the SQPS; organisations representing the users of local bus services; other relevant local authorities that they think could be affected by the SQPS; the Traffic Commissioner with responsibility for the traffic area affected by the SQPS; and the Chief Officer of Police for the police area affected by the SQPS.
Aims and level(s) of consultation (KCC consultation levels attached)
‘Gather Opinions’
Key consultee groups
As above.
Start and finish dates of consultation.
To be determined – broadly August to October 2012 (12 weeks).
Equalities Impact Assessment included in the consultation documentation. Please state where this can be found.
Not yet available.
Date of publication of consultation outcomes and updated Equalities Impact Assessment
To be determined – anticipated during December 2012
Informing Only (Who and when)
N/A
Has the matter already been discussed by a Cabinet Committee? If not when will be it discussed by the Cabinet Committee and the date of the meeting
To be determined – 15th November 2012?
Is the matter referred to in your Business Plan or Medium Term Capital Programme?
No
Which Members and electoral Divisions are affected by this proposed decision? Is it All Members?
Cllr Peter Homewood (Malling Rural North East); Cllr Trudy Dean (Malling Central); and Cllr Sarah Hohler (Malling North).
Financial implications: Paul Lulham, Development Planning, Transportation Service 01233 614062 -Paul.Lulham@kent.gov.uk
Legal implications: 12/01924
Equalities implications: N/a