Highway Emergency Active Travel Fund schemes
As part of the government’s first round of the Emergency Active Travel Fund to pay for schemes that enable and encourage people to walk and cycle more, county council members and the leaders of the district and borough councils have agreed the following schemes.
The money used to pay for these schemes cannot be used to pay for routine maintenance, such as fixing potholes.
Our schemes are split into three categories; cycle, school and walking.
Cycle schemes
Our cycle schemes aim for cyclists to feel safer and more comfortable when using the dedicated cycle lanes.
What we are changing
We will be going into phase 4B of the Cinque Ports Cycleway route between Folkestone to Lydd. The changes will include:
- a shared use footway and cycleway
- improving the signage
- resurfacing of footway
- the relocation of existing sign posts and street furniture. This will ensure pedestrians and cyclist movement are not obstructed
- widening and re-aligning the footways to meet national minimum design standards of 3 metres.
The shared pathway will run from the junction of Reachfields on the A259 Dymchurch Road to St George's Place. It will connect to the new cycle route from St George's Place to the housing development Martello Lakes, Nickoll's Road.
Watch our video to see the changes.
The browser you are using is not supported or you do not have JavaScript enabled. Update your browser or enable JavaScript to view this video.
Read the transcript of the St Dunstan's Street active travel scheme video.
Why we are making the changes
The route will allow residents to cycle safely to school from Hythe or Martello Lakes. Where you can cross the road using the recently installed toucan crossing point at Palmarsh Primary School.
What we are changing
We want to convert the lane travelling towards the town on Maison Dieu Road into a temporary cycle and bus lane only. The shared lane will start at the junction with Bridge Street to Castle Street.
The lane will also include:
- arrows and wording
- cycle symbols
- signage on temporary A-frames.
Water filled barriers will be placed on the centreline to segregate traffic and to provide enough space for pedestrian access. Access for vehicles along the exit roads on Maison Dieu Road will be provided through wider gaps between the barriers.
Why we are making the changes
In and around Maison Dieu Round there are 6 schools. We want to make sure that those travelling to the schools can benefit from a dedicated cycle and bus lane.
Often, the biggest reason people choose not to cycle or to not allow their children to cycle is because of safety concerns. We hope that the lane will greatly impact resident's ability to travel in an active, sustainable and safe way.
Update on the trial
We have decided to remove this temporary facility and return both lanes to their previous capacity.
The scheme was designed to promote the use of cycling as an alternative to vehicles, but it had a detrimental effect on the capacity for other traffic using the road.
We still see the benefits of promoting cycling in Dover, but post-lockdown traffic levels, Operation Stack and TAP have shown to be too much for this location to continue as planned.
We closely monitored the scheme during its operation, adjusting the traffic signal timing to reduce delays on the road and in the surrounding area. However, with the Dover Traffic Access Protocol (TAP) and given the increase in congestion that we have observed during the trial, we have made the decision to remove the scheme.
What we are changing
We will be installing posts along the edge of the existing cycle lane and widening some of the footpath using bolt-down kerbs.
The left turn lane off from the A26 roundabout onto Brook Street will be removed. In its place, we will be placing red and white barriers.
Why we are making the changes
The posts will allow cyclists to feel safer and more comfortable when using the cycle lane. Motorists travelling along this road will be encouraged to think about the safety of the cyclists using the lane.
The widened footpath will allow more space for cyclists to use the A26 corridor safely, therefore offering greater connectivity for cyclists, and consequently improving access to local destinations, residential properties and education establishments.
Update on the trial
We have taken the decision not to complete the trial on this section of the network and will be removing the scheme and returning the road to the previous layout. The government led emergency Active Travel initiative has led to authorities all over the country trialling schemes like these of a ‘pop up’ nature and in some cases they are not always successful.
Whilst the scheme was to be trialled in order to promote the use of cycling as an alternative to the motorised vehicle, as an authority we must ensure that due consideration is given to traffic volumes on our strategic road network as well as congestion and journey time reliability. The scheme was designed and conceived at a time when traffic conditions were very different. Post-lockdown traffic levels are now at a peak and as the highway authority we have a responsibility to keep our roads moving, especially on a A road. Having taken on board feedback received from all road users it is felt that the scheme will not offer enough benefit to justify its continuation.
We still see the benefits of promoting cycling in Tonbridge and will continue to consider improvements that encourage active travel in the future.
What we are changing
We will be installing posts along the edge of the existing cycle lane of the A26 St John's Road, between Culverden Park and Speldhurst Road.
They will be placed at regular intervals, with sufficient gaps to allow for access to bus stops, properties and side roads.
Why we are making the changes
The posts will allow cyclists to feel safer and comfortable when using the cycle lane. Motorists travelling along this road will be encouraged to think about the safety of the cyclists using the lane.
What we are changing
We will be converting part of the carriageway into a cycle facility on the west side of the road, protected by installing red and white barriers.
Parking bays between 38 Quarry Hill Road and Aycliffe Dentistry will be removed to provide the necessary space.
Why we are making the changes
The new facility will allow for greater connectivity for cyclists, and consequently improving access to local destinations, residential properties and education establishments.
Update on the trial
We have taken the decision not to complete the trial on this section of the network and will be removing the scheme and returning the road to the previous layout. The government led emergency Active Travel initiative has led to authorities all over the country trialling schemes like these of a ‘pop up’ nature and in some cases they are not always successful.
Whilst the scheme was to be trialled in order to promote the use of cycling as an alternative to the motorised vehicle, as an authority we must ensure that due consideration is given to traffic volumes on our strategic road network as well as congestion and journey time reliability. The scheme was designed and conceived at a time when traffic conditions were very different. Post-lockdown traffic levels are now at a peak and as the highway authority we have a responsibility to keep our roads moving, especially on a A road. Having taken on board feedback received from all road users it is felt that the scheme will not offer enough benefit to justify its continuation.
We still see the benefits of promoting cycling in Tonbridge and will continue to consider improvements that encourage active travel in the future.
We want to make King Street a safer environment for cyclists. To do this we have installed an on-carriageway cycle lane with light segregation into the street. We have relocated bus stops and disabled parking bays.
What we are changing
We want to make a number of changes in and around Milton Road, including a new segregated cycle lane on Milton Road from Wellington Street to Berkley Road. The lane will be separated from traffic with posts known as orcas and wands.
We will also be installing a cycle route along Ordance Road, Albion Terrace and Norfolk Road.
Road closures will then be in place to prevent traffic from driving through. To do this we will use wooden planters across the roads of Russell Road and Prospect Grove.
Why we are making the changes
We want to create a safer space for pedestrians and increase the amount of cyclists in this area. We hope to reduce the demand for public transportation and private motor vehicles.
What we are changing
We will be changing one lane in each direction along New Street, Somerset Road and Mace lane, into a new cycle lane. To do this, we will be installing posts known as orcas and wands.
The posts will be placed at regular intervals, with sufficient gaps to allow for access to bus stops, properties and side roads.
Why we are making the changes
We want to create a space to encourage and enable cycling in a safe environment around town away from motor vehicles.
Update on the trial
We have decided to remove this scheme and return both lanes to their previous capacity.
Whilst the scheme was implemented to promote the use of cycling as an alternative to the motorised vehicle, as an authority we must ensure that all highway users are safe. The decision was made as the original design did not offer adequate capacity and there were some concerns about the speed in which cyclists could pass through these busy junctions and the potential conflict with pedestrians crossing.
We still see the benefits of promoting cycling in Ashford, but post-lockdown traffic levels have shown to be too much for this location to continue as planned.
We want to provide a safer and friendlier shopping, eating and drinking experience for pedestrians using St Dunstan's Street. We hope to encourage active travel to and from the West Station and the High Street.
School street schemes
Our school street schemes aims to increase the safety of the route children travelling to school take.
What we are changing
We will be closing St Peter's Footpath temporarily between 8am and 9:30am and 2pm and 3:30pm during school term times.
To inform motorists of these works and to slow down safely, signs and road narrowings were installed on College Road.
For pedestrians, a Park and Stride site was established with access to an improved public right of way 5 minutes’ walk from the site.
Why we are making the changes
The school gate during the start and end of school is often congested by conflicting traffic movements. The scheme aims to increase the number of children travelling actively to school.
These changes were launched in June and feedback from residents, the school and school children has been very positive.
Watch our video to see the difference made.
The browser you are using is not supported or you do not have JavaScript enabled. Update your browser or enable JavaScript to view this video.
View the transcript for the Draper's Mill active travel scheme video.
Walking focused schemes
Our walking focused schemes aims to provide a safe environment for pedestrians by introducing planters, parklets and pedestrianised areas.
What we are changing
We will be putting in access motor vehicle restrictions at the junction of Church Road/ Station Road, and Clavical Road. Buses will be exempt from the restrictions.
Why we are making the changes
With the introduction of the bus gates, we hope to reduce the levels of traffic along the length of Commercial Road. This will make the area safer, pleasant and less polluted for those travelling by bike or foot.
The design is one of several considered, including the introduction of cycling facilities along the southern end of Commercial Road near Maidstone Road. This design was declined, as it would have resulted in the loss of parking. The bus gate scheme does not impact on parking in the southern section.
Update on the trial
We have decided to remove this temporary facility and return the road to its previous operation.
Due to the planned closure of Church Road (for utility reparation purposes) for an extended period of time, there are concerns about accessing Waitrose, the station and other areas from the north of Paddock Wood whilst the planned road works are in place. We completely understand the difficulties that may be experienced if the access restrictions on Commercial Road remain in place during this time and a decision has therefore been made to temporarily suspend the scheme on Commercial Road whilst the Church Road closure is in place.
We believe that the scheme with some potential amendments could bring many benefits to the communities of Paddock Wood and therefore we intend to develop the scheme further during this temporary suspension to the satisfaction of all involved with the aim of re implementing the scheme once the Southern Water works are complete. We will be liaising with local businesses and the town council and will also taking the feedback that was received during the current phase on board to create an enhanced scheme.
What we are changing
We will be extending the current prohibition of motor vehicle restrictions on High Street restrictions to Earl Street.
The restriction will in place between the junction of Pudding Lane to Rose Court. With additional provisions for cyclists to pass through without motor vehicles present.
We will also be amending the existing on street parking.
Why we are making the changes
We want to provide a safe environment for pedestrians. Therefore we will be introducing planters, parklets and seating.
These will be installed between the restaurants Wagamama and Wildwood.
Our video shows the difference made by these changes.
The browser you are using is not supported or you do not have JavaScript enabled. Update your browser or enable JavaScript to view this video.
View the transcript for the Earl Street, Maidstone active travel video.
What we are changing
Through traffic will be banned from travelling along Albion Street from Albion Street car park to Charlotte Street, this will also extend to Harbour Street. This area will be a pedestrianised zone from 10am to 10pm and will include new signage and line improvements.
We will also add a bus gate on Albion Street between the junctions of Alexandra Road and Harbour Street. This means that there will be no through traffic except for buses, taxis and cycles. The bus gate will be in force 24/7, seven days a week.
Access will be available for deliveries, pedestrians, cyclists and buses only.
Why we are making the changes
The changes will allow for a safer pedestrianised friendly shopping, eating and drinking environment. It will encourage active travel to and from the seafront and High Street.
View the Albion Street, Broadstairs scheme plan (PDF, 536.4 KB).
Update on the trial
We have decided to remove the temporary Harbour Street and Albion Street scheme in Broadstairs.
All changes introduced by the trial scheme will be removed as it is not giving us the anticipated benefits of promoting safe social distancing and an increase in opportunities for walking and cycling.
One of the reasons this scheme did not work was compliance with the bus gate, we did not want to prohibit or negatively impact upon buses but vehicles continued to ignore the restrictions.
We are going to work closely with the local Kent County Council members, the local MP and the town council to launch a public consultation around the future opportunities that could support summer trade and traffic pinch points.
What we are changing
We are making changes to this junction to restrict vehicular access along this rural lane and encouraging cycling and sustainable forms of travel along this route.
We will be restricting access to motor vehicles to travel from Oak Hatch (approximately 200 metres from the Culverden Down junction), to St Gregory's Roman Catholic School.
Signs will be clearly be shown at the entrance and exit of Reynolds Lane, to notify drivers of the restriction.
Why we are making the changes
We want to encourage more cycling and sustainable forms of travel along this rural lane.
What we are changing
We are creating a one way system from Roxburgh Road to St Mildred's Road, heading towards Saint Saviour's Parish Church.
The scheme includes changes to the parking bays, to encourage walking and cycling. We will be using parklets, planters and bolted down bollards (delineators) to reallocate road space.
Please note that the buses will be unaffected by this scheme.
Why we are making the changes
Station Road is a busy shopping parade, which has very limited space for pedestrians. The changes will create a safer and friendlier environment for pedestrians, with fewer motor vehicles
View the Station Road scheme plan (PDF, 444.3 KB).
Update on the trial
We have decided to remove the temporary Station Road scheme in Westgate-On-Sea and return the parking spaces and two way road as it was previously.
Whilst the scheme was implemented to promote social distancing and increase walking and cycling opportunities, and we still see the benefits this brings, local KCC members, the town council and the local MP Sir Roger Gale requested the scheme be removed.
All changes introduced by the trial scheme will be removed starting on Wednesday, September 30.
We will be moving the planters that were on site to other Emergency Active Travel Scheme sites and if possible to some schools in Kent.
These are schemes of trial nature to give us the opportunity to lock in some of positive travel patterns we have seen during the pandemic, all schemes are being monitored and all comments noted and considered. We apologise that we cannot always give a detailed reply to every piece of correspondence received at present.
Should you require further information on this scheme please email activetravel@kent.gov.uk.
What we are changing
We will be making the High Street (B2023) a one way system heading north from Mount Sion to Vale Road. A widened footpath will be provided on the southern side of the High Street for improved pedestrian movement and space.
Why we are making the changes
The scheme aims to improve pedestrian access in one of the town's busiest streets. This would also increase active travel and improve the air quality in the local area.
The High Street is one of the main links between the upper part of the town centre, and the historic Pantiles.
Due to social distancing measures this wider space will help to keep pedestrians safe in the short term.
Have your say
If you would like to register your support, objections or concerns about any of these proposals or our other Emergency Active Travel Scheme proposals email activetravel@kent.gov.uk.
Funded by
This scheme is being funded by the Department for Transport’s Emergency Active Travel Fund.
