Transport and Access
Transport and access
Prior to the BID, Kingston town centre had a reputation for congestion - particularly at peak times - and a lack of parking. While we do enjoy an exceptional local bus service - 228 bus movements an hour, across 26 routes, ensures that 40% of people travel to Kingston by bus - shortage of effective public transport from the wider Surrey area makes travel largely car reliant. Many businesses still identify transport as the key reason for staff turnover and difficulties attracting the right calibre of staff.
Transport and access into Kingston continues to be an everyday challenge. While we have been less successful than we had hoped, this does not mean that we have not achieved any progress, or that we have reduced our ambitions in any way. Kingstonfirst promotes use of the current transport network, with initiatives to reduce congestion and promote car parks, with improved signage and the Park Mark Safety Award. Last year we identified 'Improved public perception in the short term and improved access sought through the town centre Master Plan' as our aim.
Christmas Park and Ride
We have a 5-year agreement with Transport for London, the Royal Borough of Kingston and London Buses for the continued provision of a Christmas Park and Ride, which brings an estimated 55,000 people into the town centre in the run up to Christmas. We are disappointed that we have been unable to implement our ideas for a permanent Park and Ride, but we did negotiate for the project to be included in the borough Local Implementation Plan.
Improving perceptions
We have worked to heighten awareness of the impact that the perceived/real congestion and lack of car parking facilities have on the prosperity of the town. We have highlighted the problems caused by the lack of signage and maintenance work, and recently contracted with local radio to give a more accurate representation of access into the town.
Wish list
A permanent Park and Ride throughout the year is high on our agenda, as is a second location for the Christmas period. We will also work with businesses in the evening economy, police and other public sector colleagues to deliver year-round improvements to transport provision at night.