Half a million symptom-free Covid tests in Kent

Kent County Council’s Director of Public Health, Andrew Scott-Clark, has confirmed that half a million symptom free tests have been carried out in Kent. This is a remarkable outcome from a standing start just before Christmas. At that time, I visited (and took a test) at one of the two sites that were opening (on the Isle of Sheppey and in Thanet). Since then, a network of sites has been developed across the county. In the early stages in particular, we had vital support from military logistics teams, although the network has now been self-sustaining for some time.

The indications are that Kent amounts to more than ten per cent of symptom-free tests carried out across the country, and our neighbours and colleagues in Medway (whose testing regime started around ten days before Kent’s) also have very high incidence relative to their population. 

This is a remarkable achievement by the team led by Andrew Scott-Clark, and reflects the authority’s determination that the county would make its way out of the severe restrictions instituted before Christmas through a combination of symptom-free testing, local contact tracing and effective communication and enforcement. Symptom-free testing is set to continue until at least the end of June, and remains a vital tool in the effort to keep our infection rates low, especially as restrictions start to ease.

JTB approves Otford and Eynsford schemes

Schemes in Otford and Eynsford were approved at last night’s Sevenoaks Joint Transportation Board.

For Otford, 20mph schemes were approved for High Street, Pilgrims Way East (as far as the junction with Beechy Leas Road). Row Dow (257 metres up from the junction with PWE), Sevenoaks Road (to 20 metres south of the roundabout) and Station Road (as far as Colets Orchard). As local County Councillor, I spoke in favour of approval, as did District and Parish Councillor Irene Roy, who has led the development of the wider Otford Traffic Management schemes. I am supporting the overall plans with £5,000 from my Combined Member Grant. The scheme was approved unanimously. 

The Eynsford scheme is for no loading/ unloading restrictions in parts of Riverside to supplement the double yellow lines and enhance enforcement there (on the basis that vehicles can be moved pretty quickly before Sevenoaks DC enforcement officers can gather evidence and issue a penalty notice). The scheme will be taken forward by Sevenoaks District Council and was discussed with and supported by the Parish Council. I am contributing £737 from my Grant. This scheme did not encounter any objections during consultation and was approved.

Pothole blitz gets under way

Last week Kent County Council launched its latest ‘pothole blitz’ - the find and fix campaign launched each spring, and which I have often posted about. The new programme has some £10 million committed to it. As the KCC media release makes clear, it goes alongside other programmes such as major resurfacing works.

A longer term asset management plan is being prepared which will set the course for the coming years and will set out ways in which the highways programme (including not just roads but elements such as structures and drainage) can be put on the most sustainable footing. This remains one of my big preoccupations as Leader of the Council: to find the best way to support and develop a historically underfunded area (not just in Kent but across the country) which is nonetheless the most visible and universal service which the County Council provides.

Vision Zero: two weeks left to comment

There are still two weeks left to comment on KCC‘s Vision Zero strategy for road safety; the consultation, launched on 26 January, closes just before midnight on 15 March. 

Vision Zero aims to achieve a major reduction - to, or very close to zero - in deaths on Kent’s roads by 2050. Its underlying philosophy is to recognise that human error will always happen, but to find ways to reduce its consequences, either in terms of accidents or in terms of their most serious consequences. A major strand in Vision Zero is a renewed emphasis on community engagement, recognising that community concerns about matters such as sense of danger and reduced quality of life should be taken into account in assessing road safety measures. This represents a more flexible approach than the current focus on deaths and serious injuries, even though that will undoubtedly remain a significant factor in any assessments.

You can find details of the consultation, and more detail about Vision Zero, here. The strategy’s emphasis on a systematic approach, and on close work with local residents and communities should be very welcome.