Issue - meetings

Report ES13099

The section of the A224 along Cray Avenue and Sevenoaks Way was one of the most congested stretches of road in the borough, and various proposals had been made over the years to aid traffic movement and reduce congestion. Some of these schemes were in the process of installation, but in order to maximise the benefit of these improvements it was proposed to install a system that would link the traffic lights along the route and improve traffic flow.

The Chairman asked whether it would be possible to extend the SCOOT system to Kemnal Technology College in the north and to Carlton Parade in the south. It was possible to add the pelican crossing at Kemnal Technology College, although officers considered that there would be little benefit in this. The traffic signals at Carlton Parade were due to be updated by TfL in the next few years; only once this was done it could these be included.

Councillor Grainger asked about pelican crossings responding to pedestrians pressing the button to the detriment of traffic flow – he was concerned about a crossing in Pratts Bottom. He was informed that pelican crossings should be programmed to give longer delays if the button was pressed repeatedly, and officers undertook to discuss this particular case with him.          

RESOLVED that the Portfolio Holder be recommended to

(1) approve the proposal to introduce a UTC Scoot system on this section of the A224 Cray Avenue/Sevenoaks Road, from Poverest Road to Main Road; and

(2) delegate authority to the Executive Director of Environment and Community Services, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder and Ward Members, to approve the scheme’s detailed design.