Kent Science Park has launched a series of initiatives to ensure that its tenants, their employees and visitors are considerate to local residents and other road users while driving to and from the Park.

Emphasising their commitment to the local community, managers of Kent Science Park have responded to issues raised by local residents, in particular by those who live on Ruins Barn Road, at the recent public consultation meeting which outlined the Park’s plans to expand.

As a result, the managers are pursuing a number of measures. These include:
• An awareness campaign at the Park, starting with letters to tenants companies issued shortly after the meeting, highlighting the concerns of local residents
• Leaflets being handed to all drivers arriving at the Park, putting particular emphasis on the concerns of residents, the local speed limits and safe driving
• Strict enforcement of the 15 mph speed limit within the Park
• Improvements to existing signage at the exit of Kent Science Park to remind drivers of speed limits and to show consideration to residents
• Regular meetings with residents, in part to monitor progress on traffic issues
• Discussions with local bus operator Chalkwells to see if services between the town centre and Kent Science Park can be enhanced
• Drawing the attention of a range of Sittingbourne-based companies regularly using Ruins Barn Road to the concerns of residents about traffic speeds.

Another significant initiative that the Park is considering is the establishment of a Community Consultation Group. The new Group would meet regularly to discuss issues of concern to local residents so that those issues can be taken into account in progressing the plans to expand the Park over the next five years.

Still under discussion, though, are measures to encourage the take up of more sustainable transport, such as car sharing and more frequent bus services, as well as a car sticker system that would clearly identify Kent Science Park employees.

James Speck, Park Director, said: “Kent Science Park is not responsible for all traffic nor
all bad behaviour on local roads. I’ve met a number of residents following the meeting and we are committed to playing a constructive role within the local community and doing our bit to reduce any dangerous or inconsiderate driving in the area.

“We believe that Kent Science Park should be a source of great pride for Sittingbourne residents and we will do everything in our powers to ensure our employees and visitors are ambassadors for the Park.”

During the public meeting several complaints by residents attributed to tenants at Kent Science Park were in fact about vehicles operating from other locations and their owners are in the process of being notified. Recent traffic monitoring also showed that only 1 in 20 of all heavy goods vehicles travelling on nearby roads were bound for Kent Science Park.

As promised at the public meeting, Kent Science Park has undertaken additional traffic monitoring and speed checks on Ruins Barn Road and the results will be shared with residents, Swale Borough Council and Kent County Council.