Agenda item

the Committee recommended that (should the proposals be agreed) – work should take place to link up the improvements with other streetscape and active travel projects in a strategic way. Members believe this should take account of potential future funding (including projects funded by the local implementation plan); the Committee also recommend that partners (including TfL, dockless bike companies and neighbouring boroughs) should be encouraged to link in with the active travel improvements where possible. In addition, the Committee would welcome improved signage around railway stations in order to encourage walking and other forms of active travel.

5.1    Seamus Adams introduced the report – noting the Council’s intention to: reduce parking pressures; encourage walking and cycling; improve air quality and public health; reduce traffic levels; improve road safety and enhance the public realm. He highlighted that less than half of the borough’s households owned a car but only a quarter of the borough was covered by parking controls. He outlined that approach to implementation of new measures – which would be driven by data and informed by consultation and engagement with residents.

5.2    Seamus Adams and Zahur Khan responded to questions from the Committee – the following key points were noted:

·         The measures were part of a combined package – including parking controls and street scene improvements. The improvements would be funded by a combination of parking charges and section 106 funds ring-fenced for parking improvements.

·         Further consideration would be given to the emissions based charges for the least polluting diesel vehicles. Diesel vehicles in general were considered to produce more emissions and harmful particulates.

·         Households were offered a number of free parking permits per year. Parking charges were benchmarked with other boroughs and were considered to be reasonable.

·         Every road would have a bespoke approach to its parking controls – which would engage with the needs of businesses and residents (incorporating the need for space for deliveries).

·         Consultations on the proposals would focus on what was right for residents of each road. The intention would be to consult with all residents – and not just car drivers. However, consultations would not constitute referenda on the proposals.

·         In cases where there was significant opposition to making changes – it was not likely that a proposal would be made to Mayor and Cabinet to proceed with changes (although this would be considered on a case by case basis).

·         Officers’ experience with previous schemes indicated that once the benefits of the changes were being felt by residents in one area – they became more appealing to residents in other areas. There would be the option for areas that had declined the changes to be revisited (consulted again) towards the end of the programme.

·         The consultation would be a continual learning process for officers. It would be carried out quickly and pragmatically.

·         Work would take place to link the improvements through this programme with the interventions taking place to implement the transport strategy.

·         An overview of the programme would be available on the Council’s website to keep all residents and members up to date on progress. There would be a wide programme of engagement – that would also include engaging with ward assemblies.

·         The renewal of the parking enforcement contract would provide new technology and new capabilities for effective enforcement.

·         Officers would engage with neighbouring authorities to harmonise controls and reduce potential problems.

·         Work would take place with planning colleagues regarding requests for dropped kerbs and the availability of on-street parking. There would also be consideration of the widening and accessibility of footways.

·         Consideration would be given to issuing monthly parking permits.

·         There would be multiple benefits from improving the amount of green space on the borough’s streets.

·         Where areas were consulted and a decision was not taken to implement improvements there would still be changes to junctions and the use of double yellow lines in order to improve safety and access.

·         If the proposals were agreed – and the consultation started in 2023 – there would be options for regular reviews and amendments to the programme in order to maintain flexibility and responsiveness.

·         Work was taking place with dockless bike providers to ensure that their services were being managed effectively.

·         The roll out of TfL bikes would require a contribution from the Council – which would have to be reviewed in the context of current financial pressure.

·         Where possible, work on cycle infrastructure would take place alongside street improvements.

5.3    In Committee discussions – the following key points were also noted:

·         The Committee would welcome improved signage (including walking times) and quality footway access to public transport hubs – and train stations in particular.

·         Members also emphasised the importance of using transport and mapping mobile apps for planning journeys.

·         The importance of rental bikes – including both TfL and dockless bikes.

5.4    Councillor Krupski (Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate) was invited to address the Committee. She noted the quality and innovation of the proposed project and emphasised the importance of maintaining clear and uncomplicated messages regarding planning, communication and delivery.

5.5    Resolved: the Committee recommended that (should the proposals be agreed) – work should take place to link up the improvements with other streetscape and active travel projects in a strategic way. Members believe this should take account of potential future funding (including projects funded by the local implementation plan); the Committee also recommend that partners (including TfL, dockless bike companies and neighbouring boroughs) should be encouraged to link in with the active travel improvements where possible. In addition, the Committee would welcome improved signage around railway stations in order to encourage walking and other forms of active travel.