Maidstone's roads are perfect. There are no delays, no congestion, no dangerous junctions, no improvements to be made at all.

That at least is the conclusion you might draw after the chairman of the Maidstone Joint Transportation Board, Cllr David Burton (Con), cancelled next month's meeting.

The board, which comprises both Maidstone Ward Councillors and Kent County Councillors whose divisions are in Maidstone is a rare opportunity for the two authorities to get together - something that is perhaps sorely needed after a very public recent spat between the leaders of KCC and MBC over the Leeds-Langley Bypass.

The meetings are already quarterly, so the cancellation means the board will not meet for six months.

Cllr Brian Clark (Lib Dem) said: "It's very disappointing. It removes the chance of the board considering any road improvement schemes ahead of May’s local elections.

"Since the completion of the bridge gyratory works early last year, I and several of my Lib Dem colleagues have been calling for a report comparing the performance of the original to the redesigned layout. We have also asked for detail on the safety audit for the works, after making our thoughts clear on potential improvements. It beggars belief that an interim update could not have been provided to the meeting."

Cllr Burton said officers had advised him that the two significant reports in the work program would not be ready for April. The final analysis for the review of the improved gyratory system was still being collated and the update of the Leeds Langley Relief Road is not be due to be reported upon until the end of the year.

He said: “It would have been possible to receive a verbal update from MBC officers on the Park and Ride, Parking and Bus Station study, but since this has already been completed and reported in public to another committee, it would be a very poor use of officers’ time and public money to hold a meeting with such little substance.

"Better the time be used progressing the schemes that we are so anxious to see brought forward.”

His decision to cancel was supported by the board's vice chairman, Cllr Eric Hotson (Con).

Cllr James Willis (Lib Dem) said: "With congestion and associated pollution levels now at an all time high, why do the Conservatives feel there is so little need for Maidstone's Joint Transport Board to meet?"