Maidstone Labour Group
LABOUR WORKS FOR BETTER,
SAFER AND HEALTHIER TRANSPORT.
Congestion and pollution
became major problems for people and businesses under the former Tory government.
Labour Councillors will:
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Strive to promote an integrated transport system for Maidstone, having
regard to the needs of people, the environment and local industry. Paramount will be
PEOPLE and SAFETY. |
| Unfortunately the short sighted opposition party, Liberals, failed to
grasp even the most fundemental aspects of this unique proposal and the Labour Group were
voted down. This move by the Liberals is to the detriment of the people of Maidstone
and proves that they can only deal with problems by knee-jerk reaction once they have been
slapped in the face with it. |
MONORAIL FOR MAIDSTONE?
At last Tuesday's Planning and Transportation meeting of Maidstone Borough
Council the Labour Group proposed that the Council explore new ways of crossing the
crowded, congested town centre.
John Morgan, the Labour Group Spokesperson said:
We have got to the point where traffic is often at a standstill, where people would
sooner travel elsewhere to shop and take their leisure, where pollution is a constant
hazard. It is unlikely that we will see very much funding forthcoming for the
environmental improvements our roads need. We must invest in an efficient, sustainable
public transport system.
Maidstone is in the lead with Park and Ride, we have recently introduced
minimum sulphur fuel and will shortly be introducing more user friendly buses. They will
help; but we have no more space for traffic. We have to look at other options.
One way is go over the top - literally. Modern electric monorails could be an
important contribution to an integrated transport system, taking passengers from Park and
Ride sites over the havoc, cleanly and efficiently. I have asked Council officers to look
into what is possible in partnership with local operators and consultation with users and
residents. If we can't solve the problem in the short term let's rise above it. |
SAFETY
 Support the implementation of safety measures where the local
community have identified a need BEFORE an accident happens.
Seek to reduce the bureaucracy surrounding the implementation of
safety measures.
Promote the implementation of 20 mph speed zones around schools.
Improve road signs to restrict traffic speed.
Support the pedestrianisation of the town centre with priority
access for the disabled.
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Implement a road safety campaign for residents |
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JUNIOR
CITIZEN SAFETY IN ACTION 1997 This years Junior Citizen Safety in
Action Programme saw over 900 year 6 children from 28 schools in the Maidstone and Malling
Area taking part.
The event takes place over two weeks at a specially selected training site at the
36 Royal Engineers Regiment, Invicta Park, Maidstone. Each group of school children
attends a variety of hazard/safety scenarios and are questioned on the safety aspects and
are awarded marks.
The event goes ahead with a great deal of support from many other groups including
Maidstone Police, Kent Fire Brigade, Connex, MacDonalds, KCC Road Safety, Maidstone Lions,
Halfords Cycles, St Johns and the 36 Royal Engineers Regiment. |
Support the introduction of speed cameras.
PEOPLE
Seek to restore the free bus pass for senior citizens and for
disabled people
Press for a proper bus station for Maidstone.
Continue to exert pressure to provide further Park and Ride
sites.
Continue to support the residents parking scheme and to extend
the scheme where residents wish.
Support cycle routes to ensure the cycle routes are of safety
and quality.
RAIL
Campaign to ensure that any rail developments in the environs of
Maidstone are fully funded and have full regard to the protection of the local environment
and local residents. In particular, the Central Rail proposals should meet these criteria.
Campaign against any deterioration in local rail services which
could result from rail privatisation.
Campaign to have commuter stations staffed.
RESIDENT'S FIRST
Seek to ensure that roads and footways are maintained in a
proper state.
Introduce further traffic calming and traffic management
measures where the local community needs them.
Continue to oppose the discredited urban motorway programme, in
particular the Southern Approach Road.
Seek the imposition of weight restrictions on vehicles in some
areas.
Strive to improve the accessibility of public transport.
Copyright © 1996 [Labour Party Maidstone]. All rights reserved.
Revised: December 26, 1996.
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