Please see below update for works completed W/E 25 January 2026 (Week 3)

• Approximately 800 metres of new water main have been successfully installed.

Planned works (W/C 26 January 2026)

• Install a further 200 metres of new water main.
• Complete pipework connections and reinstate excavated areas.
• Prepare to move to open trench excavation for the remaining water main works.

This is our 2025 Speedwatch Group annual review highlighting and educating drivers of their speed.
 
Established Sept 2024 as part of Cobham Parish Council's Highway Improvement Plan in partnership with Kent Police, this initiative is to slow vehicle speed in our village, and to make our roads safer.
 
We have 13 volunteers, with 8 regularly undertaking Speedwatch sessions.  WE STILL DO NEED MORE VOLUNTEERS.
If you would like to join and help, please go to www.communityspeedwatch.org to register.
 
We've held 89 Speedwatch sessions this year, that's 88.5 hours monitoring vehicle speeds. In that time we have recorded 973 vehicles exceeding the speed limit threshold.

• Maximum Speed recorded in Cobham's 20 mph limit was 38 mph (+90%)
• 
  
• Maximum Speed recorded in Sole Street's 30 limit was 55 mph (+83%)

 
The main aim is education, but there are consequences if drivers persist speeding, with the following Police actions, which are:

• 1st Record Observed = 633
• 1 Hand delivered letter by Kent Police for a 4 time speed offender.

• 1st time letter, observed where vehicle travelling at 50% or above the speed limit = 123
• 2nd time letter = 11
• 3rd time letter = 3​ 
• 2nd time letter, where vehicle seen on the system in a 12-month period = 77
• 3rd time letter = 4

 
As we have now been established for 15 months, the number of 2nd time offender letters has increased, which I expect will continue going into our second calendar year.
 
As 94% of drivers who receive a Police letter, do not reoffend within the next 12 months, the number of 3rd time offender letters issued has remained low at only 4, and 11 for those receiving their first letter for exceeding the limit by 50% or more. This goes to show that receiving the Police letters really does work as a deterrent.
 
We continue to be well supported by Kent Police, with them attending 4 of our Speedwatch sessions this year.
 
It does feel that we are now making a difference in reducing vehicle speed, which is evidenced by the low number of repeat speed offender letters issued.
 
Unfortunately we can not be visible 24/7, but vehicle drivers are now aware we are out and about undertaking speed checks in Cobham and Sole Street. This will make them more cautious traveling through our village, as they won't know if, where and what time we'll be doing the next speed check. They also don't know what we've recorded, until they receive a letter. This is how Speedwatch has an effect in reducing speed.
 
When drivers post our position on the travel app Waze as Police or Speed Cameras, this also has a really positive effect on reducing vehicle speed.
 
It's frustrating that you'll always get the 5% of drivers that don't take any notice, or care about driving fast, that we won't be able to educate.
 
Please feel free to say hello and chat to the team when we're out and about.

It will be necessary to close Thong Lane, Gravesend from 20th January 2026 for up to 4 days.
 
The road will be closed Outside 40-64, Thong Lane
 
The alternative route is via Barr Road, Cruden Road, Cervia Way.
 
This is to enable Utility repair works to be carried out by Southern Gas Networks.

Please see below update for works completed Week Ending 11th January 2026 (Week One)

• Works commenced on Monday 5 January 2026 under a road closure.
• 100 metres of new water main successfully installed.

Works Scheduled for January

• Complete preparatory excavations for the installation of 500 metres of new pipeline.
• Install 500 metres of new water main following completion of preparatory works.