Agenda and minutes

RESOLVED that the minutes of the open meeting held on 24 July 2018 be confirmed and signed as a correct record.

None received.

RESOLVED that the report be noted.

RESOLVED that the report be noted.

Lewisham borough wide 20mph speed limit update

The Service Group Manager Highways and Transport introduced the report.

The Chair said this initiative was very positive and have had positive feedback but the issue was around enforcement. He asked what the Council was doing to ensure the scheme works and was told that there were other deterrents on high speed roads like speed cameras, road bumps and cushions. The officer reported that Transport for London (TFL) was producing a draft vision zero action plan which would be pushing for most roads to have a 20mph speed limit, and some of Lewisham roads would be included in the list.

The Chair commented that cycling had been very difficult around the Lewisham Gateway, and asked if TFL could be approached to address this. The Service Group Manager Highways and Transport said there were problems with the design which had been drawn around 2007/8, and work was now being done in accordance with the 2015 London Cycling Standards. This had made things complicated as the design was dated, but the east-west cycle route would be accessible once the scheme was completed. Councillor Mallory asked whether it would be difficult to seek a further review from TFL at this point.

Councillor Muldoon expressed concerns about reliance on the average speed cameras, and asked if 20mph ones could not be used instead. He said if this was down to cost, resident groups could be encouraged to work as volunteers using speed guns. They could be supported by the Police, and offenders could be sent formal warning letters. It was noted that although there were not many speed cameras on Lewisham roads those that have been installed have been realigned to 20mp speed limit, and the Police were under a lot of pressure with other crimes to give much assistance. The officer commented that the Council would be looking at expanding the use of speed cameras to most areas.

Councillor Muldoon commented that working with residents would be beneficial, and community road watch groups could be set up, and Members could help to facilitate this with the support of the Police. The Chair said discussion on community road watch at his last assembly meeting was very positive.

Councillor Mallory argued that although he acknowledged the interest in additional cameras these could be costly. He asked whether they could be funded by TFL, so it would not impact on the Council’s budget. The officer responded that they would need to investigate the cost, but this could be recovered from reinforcement fines. The officer said fees would be ring-fenced for cost and improvement, and TFL would be approached to discuss this.

Action >>>>>> ED Resources & Regeneration

Panel Members were informed that speed cameras were only used in high accident areas, and other roads had signs. A map was tabled illustrating red routes areas with cameras. Panel Members noted that the map was used to inform TFL.

Councillor Mallory asked whether officers had done a review to find out if they  ...  view the full minutes text for item 138.

The Scrutiny Manager introduced the report.

Panel Members were informed that the third round of Select Committee meetings was about to begin with Healthier Communities Select Committee on 9 October. During the round of meetings, the Committees, including the full Overview and Scrutiny Committee, would be considering the proposals for budget cuts, ending with the Public Accounts Select Committee on 7 November. A referral would be made to Mayor and Cabinet on 21 November, where a decision would be made.

This item was not needed as no confidential item was discussed at the meeting.

This item was not requested for discussion.

This item was not requested for discussion.

This item was not requested for discussion.

Meeting ended: 8:12 pm                                    Chair…………………..