Proposed cycle lanes on London Road, Northfleet and Overcliffe, Gravesend scrapped by KCC
15:40, 01 April 2022
updated: 16:21, 04 April 2022
Controversial plans to install new cycle lanes which would have seen the removal of parking and a bus stop have been scrapped.
The proposals by Kent County Council (KCC) triggered concerns from residents in Gravesend who feared their roads would become even busier as many struggled to find a parking space.
The scheme planned to remove 19 bays in London Road and Overcliffe, which connects Gravesend to Northfleet, with some being relocated into already congested side streets.
But following a public consultation the council has backtracked on the cycleway and will instead be reviewing elements of the plan.
County and borough councillor Conrad Broadley (Con), who represents Northfleet and Gravesend west district at KCC, had branded it "mayhem" for parking and has now welcomed the decision to cancel the scheme.
He said: "I think it is fantastic that KCC has taken on all the feedback and acted on it. They really had not thought about the impact on parking and the disruption for the side streets.
"It is definitely good news. People do not like to respond to consultations sometimes because they do not think they will be listened to but they have.
"Well done to all the people who responded and to KCC for taking action."
The consultation received more than 260 responses of which 63% either opposed or strongly opposed the designs.
Although more than half of respondents agreed the crossing points would improve safety for people, more disagreed with the removal of parking bays which was needed to provide safe cycle lanes.
The plan was to create a new two-way cycle route along the north side of London Road to create a safer ride, junction revisions to give priority to pedestrians and cyclists, new pedestrian crossings, raised "tables" to reduce vehicles' speed and changes to the bus stop layout.
It would have created a one-way system in Rural Vale, Gordon Road, Beresford Road, and Marina Drive to allow for parking bays to be moved, and two disabled bays switched from London Road to Beresford Road.
The majority of responses were from people who frequently used a car as opposed to cycling or other means and some 100 answers were around concerns for parking.
One said: "My life is ruled by parking. I live in a road where parking is a nightmare already. I pay for a permit to stop vehicles parking in my road so when I do come home from being out at work, at least I can park in the road where I live.
"Why should anyone have to pay to park their car at their home address? I do not go out of an evening because I would have nowhere to park when I get home. How is that right? How is that a life?
"I should be able to come and go as I please, do what I want when I want but because of lack of space for cars I am unable to."
Some responses were in support of the scheme, however, with one stating: "It would encourage those less confident to cycle more often and will make parents feel better about their children walking and cycling if the town provided better and safer means of travelling by bike or on foot."
KCC will now be exploring options in the west section of the area to reduce speed with potential traffic calming features, improved pedestrian facilities and will review ideas for additional cycling facilities.
It will also be looking at opportunities at Rosherville for improving the cycle routes through the commercial areas and pedestrian and travel improvements for the east section of the road.
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