Parking review Hildenborough

The main parking issues that were raised in Hildenborough were:

Commuter management and residents parking

To address the station commuter parking issue we are proposing a two level approach:

low-level pay parking restrictions to manage the on-street commuters close to the station and in Noble Tree Road
a residents' daytime parking permit scheme in the residential areas to prevent commuter parking

The management of the on-street commuters is likely to involve a charge, a daily rate for parking, managed through the RingGo phone payment system.

There is a charge for the operation and enforcement of a permit parking scheme. This would be at our standard on-street resident permit parking charges as operated in other areas in the borough.

School pick-up and drop-off parking

The commuter management proposals are intended to dovetail with restrictions to control parking outside the schools in the area. These should allow parking at school start and finish times where it does not cause an obstruction but prevents obstructive parking. It would also assist in promoting a safer environment for pedestrians and vulnerable road users.

Obstructive parking and parking around junctions

Where we have had reports of problems, we are proposing double yellow line restrictions to prevent parking that contravenes the requirements of the Highway Code.

The review

The introduction of parking changes can be controversial and there can be conflicting needs. Restricting on-street parking can ease traffic flow, but some on-street parking can be beneficial in helping keep vehicle speeds down. Short-stay parking with regular turnover is important to local commercial premises that rely on visitors, but longer-stay parking is important to residents that do not have their own parking facilities.

The parking review can only consider changes to public highway, on roads adopted by Kent County Council, and the aim is to reinforce the requirements of the Highway Code, not to park at junctions, bends, crossings or where it would cause an obstruction.

Hildenborough Parish Council have been involved in deciding which areas to include and in making the proposals.

This review started in 2019, and proposals were prepared for consultation in 2020. However, due to the COVID19 pandemic and the following changes to traffic patterns the consultation was not carried out until earlier this year, as a 'new normal' of parking demand and traffic movements were established.

January/February 2023

Informal consultation took place between 27 January 2023 and 27 February 2023. This stage of consultation asked for the views of the immediate residents and businesses in the area. Letters and a consultation form were delivered to these residents and businesses.

June 2023

Consultation responses to the informal consultation were considered and the proposals were adapted, while still aiming for a cohesive parking scheme to address the concerns that had been raised.

Responses to the informal consultation, along with the original and adjusted proposals, were reported to borough councillors at the Joint Transportation Board meeting on 5 June. It was decided that the adjusted proposals be taken forward to formal consultation.