North Farm traffic working group discuss options following survey results

A new working group chaired by Tunbridge Wells MP, Greg Clark, and comprising representatives from the business community, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council and Kent Highways, met on Friday 8 July to agree on a number of options that could help relieve the traffic problems at the North Farm Industrial Estate.

The options have been developed as part of a recent study, commissioned by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council and Kent County Council, and range from short-term actions that could be completed within this financial year through to medium and longer-term schemes which might require greater funding or more investigation. 

MP for Tunbridge Wells, Greg Clark, said:

"Bringing together representatives from councils, Kent Highways and other local organisations is a new model of working we tried when we were looking at the road safety problems along the A228 at Colt's Hill.  It proved to be a very successful approach as local knowledge is crucial in helping to decide what might or might not work.   The key difference between Colts Hill and North Farm is the amount of businesses that are directly affected by the traffic problems so it was important to actively involve representatives from the local business community. 

"The problems at North Farm are never going to be resolved with a quick fix solution.  The congestion is causing so much misery for both local residents and businesses alike, it's in everyone's interests to work together to try and get the traffic moving again

Cllr Brian Ransley, Portfolio Holder for Planning and Transportation said: "At the meeting there was a general desire to work together to deliver improvements. We know there isn't an easy solution but carrying out the traffic study and taking this opportunity to talk to the business community about it before decisions are made is very important."

The final report is expected to be published by early August and will be available on Tunbridge Wells Borough Council's website.