Putting wheels in motion to solve congestion woes
ajsmith@thekmgroup.co.uk Maidstone is too dependent on the use of private cars for travel within the borough.
That is the assertion of the town’s Labour Party who point to the chronic traffic congestion during weekdays and weekends.
Cllr Paul Harper, of Oakwood Road, said: “As a result, the town’s air quality is among the poorest in the south east as the pollution is trapped in the valley in which the town sits.”
His party is offering its own new transport policy to solve the issues, promoting the greater use of buses, railways, cycling, the river and walking.
Among the proposals is one for electric buses to cut down on pollution, with cycle racks on the buses, and cheaper fares.
On the railways, Labour wants to see new stations at Allington, Tovil, and Teston Country Park.
It wants the current high-speed train service to St Pancras extended to off-peak and weekend services, with a new direct train route from Maidstone West to Gatwick, via Tonbridge and Redhill.
The party is also promoting a river bus service from Allington to East Farleigh.
Cllr Harper and Labour’s youth officer Elliot Dean are already keen cyclists – Cllr Harper is Kent spokesman for the national Cycle Touring Club, Britain’s oldest cycling organisation.
Cycling features prominently in the strategy, with more secure cycle parking, including lockerstyle facilities, cycle priority at major traffic junctions and dedicated lanes.
Another idea is for 20mph limits in residential areas to make streets safer for walkers and those on two wheels.