Improving our local transport infrastructure in Sevenoaks has been something I have been working on since my election. And, it was great to last week meet with Richard Parry, Roger Johnson and Tony Clayton of the Sevenoaks Railway Travellers Association (SRTA) to discuss with them my current campaigns. The group do so much for local rail passengers and their knowledge of the local network is unrivalled.
During the meeting, we discussed many interesting topics, and given how many Chronicle readers are regular rail passengers, I thought it helpful to use my column this week to share an update on areas I am currently working on.
Firstly, following my successful campaign for a fast service between Maidstone East and London Charing Cross (stopping at Otford, Swanley, Waterloo East and London Bridge) I am so pleased how popular the line has proved with residents. I regularly speak to many of you who are benefiting from it, and I have a huge smile on my face every time I see it on the board at the station. However, what has become clear to me is that we need to see additional trains services on this line. My long term aim is to ensure a half-hourly service throughout the day, but in the meantime I want to secure a half hourly service from London during the evening rush hour. Hopefully through this we can show demand, and help make our case for an increased off-peak service.
On contactless ticketing, another successful campaign which will mean residents from six new stations across Sevenoaks will be able to travel using their contactless card to travel rather than buying a ticket, I am following up with the Department for Transport to confirm our local roll out date. There do remain some teething issues that need to be resolved, including ensuring Network Rail cards can be recognised, as well the availability of Off-Peak fares. We need to make sure comms are clear on this point.
And finally, crime in and around stations has increasingly become a problem, with an increase in car and bike thefts around stations, as well as vandalism. Such crime will not be tolerated and I am working closely with Southeastern, British Transport Police (BTP), Kent Police and Matthew Scott the Police and Crime Commissioner for Kent, to address this.
As you may remember, last year I voiced my concerns about Women’s safety, and I am pleased that a Safety Manager was subsequently appointed by Southeastern, and there is now a full team working with the manager – including a seconded BTP officer.
I have also been working with Southeastern on passenger safety and anti-social behaviour at Bat & Ball station. We are already seeing a drop in incidents, which is welcome, however if you do see any issues please report them on the Railway Guardian app:https://www.btp.police.uk/police-forces/british-transport-police/areas/campaigns/Download-Railway-Guardian/ By making sure all incidents are reported, we can ensure the right action is taken, and unacceptable behaviour stopped.
As you can see, lots going on. However, if you have any concerns with our local services that you wish to raise please do email me at [email protected]. It is by working together that we will make the improvements which matter most to residents.
