Agenda item

Report ES14092

An update was provided on progress concerning the proposed congestion relief scheme at the junction of Heathfield Road with Westerham Road. This  included summarised results from consultation on the scheme, the consultation having concluded at the end of September 2014. A clear majority of respondents supported the scheme.

The Portfolio Holder was asked to approve the scheme and delegate detailed final design to the Executive Director of Environment and Community Services, following consultation with Ward Councillors and the Portfolio Holder. The scheme is low cost for a full sized roundabout and will help address congestion at the location. It will also help reduce the number of speed related personal injury collisions along Westerham Road.

Congestion issues primarily relate to southbound traffic along Heathfield Road. Motorists would most likely continue to use the route to avoid the Keston Mark junction as it provides the most direct route. A further traffic count in Heathfield Road between the end of September 2014 and beginning of October 2014, indicated that the proportion of Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) using the road during the count period was less than 1%.  

Based on road safety and congestion considerations, officers would continue to lobby TfL for improvements at the Keston Mark junction. A point had been reached in TfL’s Programme where the junction would be subject to review. There was some hope that it would be possible to introduce a countdown signal for pedestrians and increase capacity at the junction.

The Chairman highlighted further views of Ward Councillors (in addition to those reported). Councillor Carr, unable to attend the meeting, considered the scheme unnecessary. Cllr Michael favoured the scheme. Considering the junction dangerous and noting a clear majority in support, she felt that HGVs using Heathfield Road should be treated as a separate issue. Councillor Ruth Bennett, in broad agreement with the recommendations, also suggested that traffic considerations for Keston Village be addressed separately.

To avoid an increase in HGVs along Heathfield Road, it was suggested the scheme be implemented following completion of the Cherry Lodge development in Darwin Ward. It was also suggested that sight lines at the roundabout should be particularly clear and a certain amount of deflection provided. If the scheme could be reviewed some six to nine months after completion, consideration could then be given to safety measures along Heathfield Road and any options related to the Primary School.

Aware that completion of Cherry Lodge could take some months, the Chairman suggested that TfL be lobbied in the meantime on improving the Keston Mark junction. It was also necessary to take account of views from Keston Villagers on safety related measures for Heathfield Road. The Portfolio Holder advised against a width restriction on approach to the village given access requirements for vehicles such as emergency vehicles, buses and refuse vehicles.

Following debate, Members agreed to support the recommendations in Report ES14092 and to additionally recommend that implementation of the scheme is delayed until the Cherry Lodge development is completed. Members also recommended that measures be considered to reduce excessive traffic speeds through Keston Village and that TfL continue to be lobbied on measures to improve the Keston Mark junction. 

RESOLVED that the Portfolio Holder be recommended to:

(1)  approve the proposed congestion relief scheme previously set out in Report ES13094 and shown on drawing ESD/11473-01;

(2)  delegate the decision on final scheme design to the Executive Director of Environment and Community Services, following consultation with Ward Councillors and the Portfolio Holder;

(3)  delay implementation of the scheme until the Cherry Lodge development is completed;

(4)  consider measures to help reduce excessive speeds through Keston Village and improve road safety; and

(5)  ensure that TfL continue to be lobbied on measures to improve the Keston Mark junction.