People are being asked for their views as Kent County Council continues on its path to encourage more sustainable travel.
Opinions are wanted about updated plans for new walking and cycling routes paid for by the government’s Active Travel Fund, which was set up to encourage local authorities to improve facilities as the pandemic led to more people taking up cycling and walking more often.
A design of how one of the Active Travel schemes could look
The schemes aim to improve the health, wellbeing and safety of residents, as well as support the local economy. The routes will be designed to provide an attractive environment for walking and cycling.
KCC secured funding for five schemes. Residents can share their views on the following:
- Canterbury: Littlebourne Road to the City Centre
- Folkestone: Central Railway Station to Cheriton
- Thanet: Birchington to Margate
- Gravesham: Gravesend to Northfleet
Designs for these schemes have been updated following feedback from an earlier consultation on initial ideas held between December 2020 and January 2021.
A fifth scheme, a cycle route from Hythe to Dymchurch, received a high level of support in the early consultation. It does not require any further detailed design so will go ahead as previously proposed.
Construction on Part 1 on the A259 Dymchurch Road from the junction with Nickolls Road up to the start of The Redoubt is planned to start on the 15th November for 20 weeks. KCC is hoping to construct Part 2, around The Redoubt in 2022 once a land agreement has been confirmed.
Kent County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, David Brazier, said: “This is another opportunity for people in Kent to have their say on these four schemes.
Kent County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, David Brazier
“We know people have taken to more environmentally friendly ways of getting around in the last year and a half. The results of our initial consultation in winter show people would be encouraged to swap their cars for bikes or walking if these routes are installed.
“Active travel can benefit health and wellbeing by incorporating physical activity into everyday routines. Broadening the travel options available to people can also help to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality.
“In Kent, we are already on the path to more sustainable travel. Changing patterns of behaviour have provided opportunities to invest in making local places easier and more pleasant to travel by foot and bike, whilst enabling essential local trips to still be made by car.”
The consultation opens today [14 September] and closes on 25th October.
Visit www.kent.gov.uk/kentactivetravel to view the consultation document relevant to you and share your views.
For queries or requests for hard copies, email traffic.schemes@kent.gov.uk or call 03000 41 81 81 referencing the scheme name.
For any alternative formats, email alternativeformats@kent.gov.uk or call 03000 42 15 53 (text relay service number 18001 03000 42 15 53). This number goes to an answering machine, which is monitored during office hours.