Outcomes from Presentation to CT5 Forum July 2024
1. Background
In February 2024 the CT5 Traffic and Active Travel Group ran a survey amongst Forum members to understand the issues affecting local traffic and transport and hear suggestions for improvement. The survey looked broadly at 5 areas: traffic, transport, walking, cycling and accessibility. There were 80 responses, which were analysed and presented to the CT5 Forum where members were asked for further suggestions to progress the work. The survey covered all of the CT5 area but many responses focused on the town centre, which also coincides with CCC’s Draft Local Plan having a particular focus on improving the “realm” of Whitstable town centre. It should in no way be taken as ignoring traffic and transport issues across the wider area – of which there are many.
2. Survey outcomes
The survey highlighted a number of key issues, with participants particularly highlighting the desire for a “pedestrian-first” approach to the development of the public spaces in Whitstable. This means prioritising the needs of people moving around Whitstable on foot or using assistive equipment (wheelchairs, buggies, walkers) to ensure that the space is accessible to non-vehicular users.
3. The town centre is not seen as an accessible and inclusive space
The survey pointed to the difficulties accessing the town centre on foot or with assistive equipment. There were mentions of inadequate space for pedestrians, with narrow, uneven and obstructed pavements. Getting into the town centre is difficult for everyone, with inadequate bus services, poor pedestrian and cycling infrastructure and concerns about safety and air quality. These issues more adversely affect those with accessibility needs, such as those using wheelchairs, those with visual impairments, neurodivergent individuals, buggy users and children.
“There are parts of the town it is impossible for me to access and most of the town is not safe to access for me.” Wheelchair user
4. Accessibility and environmental issues caused by vehicles
There are concerns about vehicle management within and around Whitstable. Speeding vehicles, congestion, illegal parking, parking on pavements and lack of law enforcement are all creating problems for both those accessing the town centre and moving around Whitstable. In addition, there were concerns about the level of pollution generated by vehicles, especially trucks, buses and vans, which more adversely affects older people and children.
"Less traffic going through the centre of town in the daytime to allow traffic-free times in the High Street and Harbour Street would be great.” Whitstable resident
5. Inadequate bus service
Bus service coverage and frequency was a major concern, with limited access for those living in rural areas or away from bigger roads. Not having bus services run to out-of-town locations, such as shops and medical centres was a big issue (although the bus service does now run to Estuary View Medical Centre). Being able to navigate the service, as well as efficiency and reliability were concerns, as well as accessibility of bus services for those with additional needs. Coordinating better with trains was also mentioned, as was the idea of more localised routes using smaller, ‘hopper-type’ buses. Modern solutions were mentioned, with electric buses, park and ride services, transport hubs or uber/bus hybrids.
"I work full-time and I have no other means of transport, the state of the buses may mean I have to stop working." Bus user
6. Poor path infrastructure affecting safety
People are put off from walking / wheeling / cycling into and around town due to the poor path infrastructure. Narrow footpaths, inadequate lighting, insufficient pedestrian and cycle crossings and limited cycle lanes were all mentioned as factors that make walking and cycling feel unsafe. Urban development around town has exacerbated the problem, with people living in those developments struggling to cross busy roads and train lines to access the town centre or other amenities. Cycle lanes and pedestrian routes are not well linked and can be unpleasant or unsafe to use. Poor maintenance of pavements, paths and cycle lanes create issues such as narrowness, cracking, unevenness, obstructions and flooding. There isn’t a holistic view of the network of paths or how they should be maintained. All these factors dissuade people from walking or cycling, especially if they have children, visual impairments or use assistive equipment.
"Whitstable has a good network of footpaths and low traffic residential streets, but the footpaths are poorly maintained and cars still dominate narrow streets." Whitstable resident
“I don't cycle- I think you have to be brave to.” Whitstable resident
7. Need for greater community engagement
It’s felt that decisions about urban infrastructure are made without properly engaging with a diverse range of perspectives, including parents, those with disabilities, different age groups and business owners. Increased awareness and advocacy for marginalised groups would help address accessibility issues and ensure that all needs are considered in urban development.
"CT5 has the potential to provide much better active travel options. Residents should be given more choice as to whether they wish to drive or would rather walk, cycle, or use public transport instead.” Whitstable resident
8. Responses from the CT5 Forum
Based on the survey responses, Forum members were asked: “How might we make the town centre a more welcoming, accessible and inclusive ‘pedestrian-first’ space?” The following ideas were suggested to improve the situation:
In the town centre:
● Specify delivery times to limit traffic at peak times
● More enforcement of parking regs to reduce obstructive parking
● Research how businesses have benefited from pedestrianisation in other towns eg Chester
● Railings along pavements in town centre
● Charge vehicles to enter Harbour Street
● One way traffic system along the High Street and Cromwell Road
● Ban traffic along Harbour Street on weekends between 10-4 (except buses)
● 10mph speed limit on Harbour Street and Sea Street
● Pedestrianise Harbour Street, possibly start with one day a week
● More repeated speed limit signs
● Limited pedestrianisation experiments
Around the town centre:
● Around town hopper bus to the edges of Whitstable
● Make Stream Walk more pleasant and safer to walk along
● Safer cycling routes into town integrated into the new developments
● Encourage the council to make use of new proposals for council control of bus provision
● Whitstable-wide holistic traffic plan (not just town centre)
● Park and Ride into Whitstable
9. Next steps
Conduct a walking / wheeling audit of the town centre and discuss the findings of that and the fuller survey with local CCC and KCC Cllrs to look for ways to begin to address these significant issues. We will also be looking at ways to engage more closely with the local community, in line with the CT5 Forum’s ambitions.
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