Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Councillors David Dagger, Tim Swift, Ian Gillies, Barry Collins and Peter McBride.

There were no disclosable pecuniary interests declared by Members at the meeting.

There were no items on the agenda requiring the exclusion of the press and public.

Copy attached.

Further to minute 45 Leeds Clean Air Zone (CAZ) Proposal.  The Committee was provided with an overview of the proposed `Class B’ Clean Air Zone for Leeds and Members discussed the proposals in detail which included analysis of different chargeable CAZ scenarios. Councillor Bolt asked if there had been any response to the clean air proposals for Elland Road Park and Ride within the charging zone.  Officers responded to say Leeds City Council is evaluating all of the consultation responses and will consider the next steps in June 2018.

Resolved:  That the minutes of the Transport Committee held on 12 January 2018 be approved and signed by the Chair.

The Transport Committee considered a report which provided an update on work to deliver the West Yorkshire Transport Strategy 2040.

The West Yorkshire Combined Authority meeting of 3 August 2017 adopted the West Yorkshire Transport Strategy 2040.  The new strategy sets out the Combined Authority’s high level vision and policy aspirations for the transport system for the next 20 years.

The Combined Authority delegated oversight of the technical work to develop the strategy to the Transport Committee.  In adopting the Transport Strategy, the Combined Authority delegated a decision on the final appearance and any minor amendments to the strategy for publication to the Combined Authority’s Managing Director in consultation with the Chair of the Transport Committee.  Minor amendments have been made and agreed and the final Transport Strategy has been published on the Combined Authority’s website.

The Transport Committee discussed the progress in delivering the West Yorkshire Transport Strategy 2040 and endorsed the proposals for the indicators and targets in the strategy prior to its submission for adoption by the Combined Authority.

Resolved:

(i)            That the updates be noted.

(ii)          That the proposals for the indicators and targets for the West Yorkshire Transport Strategy 2040 be endorsed to proceed to the next available meeting of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority for adoption.

The Transport Committee considered a report on the progress in delivering the Combined Authority’s Bus Strategy 2040.

The Combined Authority adopted the Bus Strategy 2014 in August 2017 following extensive consultation.

Members discussed the progress to date in implementing the Bus Strategy and a further report setting out the performance management framework for the Bus Strategy be presented to the next meeting of the Committee.

Resolved:

(i)            That the work to date in implementing the Bus Strategy be endorsed.

(ii)          That a further report setting out the performance management framework for the Bus Strategy be presented to the next meeting of the Transport Committee.

The Transport Committee considered a report on developments relating to cycling issues in West Yorkshire.

Members discussed the benefits of Public Bicycle Sharing Schemes (more commonly known as Public Bike Share) and noted the two main operating models which have emerged. It was reported that Leeds City Council had endorsed the establishment of a bike share scheme in Leeds and this was supported by the Committee.

Members discussed and welcomed the submission to Sustrans’ Bike Life programme which was detailed in the submitted report.

In respect of the DfT Cycle City Ambition – Cycle Safety Funding 2018-19 it was reported that the following two schemes had been submitted:

·         Rochdale Canal towpath improvement (Todmorden to Hebden Bridge): providing a high quality cycling and walking route along a 6km section, joining with the scheme currently being delivered through the CityConnect programme.  This will provide an alternative to the on-highway route on the A646 where twelve cyclist casualties have been recorded between 2012 and 2017, of which four were serious injuries.

·         A653 Dewsbury Road, Leeds: extension of the current Dewsbury Road safety scheme to existing facilities providing a continuous route through to the Leeds Cycle hub and Urban Bike Park in Middleton Park.  In the last five years over a quarter of all collisions recorded involved cyclists, and four serious injuries recorded out of twenty six casualties.

If successful, schemes funded through this additional funding are proposed to be taken through the Assurance Framework process and integrated into the CityConnect programme for delivery.

Resolved:

(i)            That the progress on implementation of Public Bike Sharing Schemes in West Yorkshire be noted.

(ii)          That the Leeds City Council implementation of a Public Bike Sharing scheme in the city be supported.

(iii)         That the submission of an application to participate in Sustrans’ Bike Life 2018-22 programme be endorsed.

(iv)         That funding applications for the Rochdale Canal Towpath Improvement (Todmorden to Hebden Bridge) and A653 Dewsbury Road, Leeds schemes to the Department for Transport’s Cycle Safety Fund 2018/19 be noted and endorsed.

The Transport Committee considered a report which provided an update on strategy work undertaken to date and sought endorsement of the proposed work plan on Mobility as a Service (MaaS).

MaaS is the provision of integrated travel options, linking all modes together to make an easy alternative to the private car.  The service is usually provided through a user interface (either an app or a website) that allows users to plan, book and pay for their travel through a single mobility account.  This app would help to improve access to existing transport modes but in order to make this possible it will require some changes to our service provision.

It was noted that a number of components need to be developed to achieve the vision of providing an integrated user interface for MaaS and progress to date was detailed in the submitted report.

The Transport Committee considered and endorsed the proposed forward work plan on Mobility as a Service and the next steps which were outlined in the submitted report.

Resolved:

(i)            That the update on strategy work undertaken to date be noted.

(ii)               That the proposed forward work plan on mobility as a service be endorsed.

The Transport Committee considered a report which provided an update on:

·         The proposed termination of the InterCity East Coast franchise, the potential implications for the Leeds City Region, and actions to address these implications.

·         Network Rail’s infrastructure enhancements programme for the ECML.

·         The proposed response to the Network Rail ECML Route Study.

The Committee noted the background to the report and endorsed the importance attached to realising the franchise commitments, and the proposed consultation response and agreed the Combined Authority’s proposed contribution of £10,000 per annum in the 2018/19 and 2019/20 financial years.

The Committee was also given an update on the Consortium of East Coast Main Line Authorities by Cllr Eric Firth, the Combined Authority’s current ECMA representative. The object of ECMA is to secure investment in the ECML to improve the passenger experience.  The ECMA agenda for 2018/19 was due to be set at a Consortium meeting on 28 February in York.  This, however, was postponed due to travel disruption caused by heavy snow and Cllr Firth will provide a full report following the next Consortium Meeting.

Resolved:

(i)            That the background to the report and the likelihood that additional information about the collapse of the current franchise, proposals for interim delivery of rail services and delivery of infrastructure enhancements on the ECML is likely to emerge ahead of the Transport Committee meeting and in the weeks that follow as various enquiries progress be noted.

(ii)          That the importance attached to realising the franchise commitments set out in the existing InterCity East Coast franchise as the baseline for the future requirements of both the interim management arrangements and future proposed East Coast Partnership be endorsed.

(iii)         That the proposed consultation response to the draft East Coast Route Study Railway Investment Choices document, and the need to continue to make a strong and compelling case for investment in both renewal and enhancement of the infrastructure on the ECML be endorsed.

(iv)         That the Combined Authority’s proposed contribution of £10,000 per annum in the 2018/19 and 2019/20 financial years to support the activity of the Consortium of East Coast Main Line Authorities, together with the ongoing offer of officer support be agreed.

The Transport Committee considered a report which provided an update on government consultations on highways related matters and sought the transport Committee’s endorsement of key themes to shape the Combined Authority’s response to the consultation on government proposals for the creation of a Major Road Network.

There have been a number of government consultations on highways related matters in recent months that are relevant to the Combined Authority as the Local Transport Authority, and to the five West Yorkshire District Councils as the local Highway Authorities and these were detailed in the submitted report.

In respect of key themes to shape the Combined Authority’s response to the consultation on government proposals for the creation of a Major Road Network, the Committee agreed the recommended key themes identified and noted the consistent response of the West Yorkshire District Councils.

Clarification was requested by Cllr Bolt and the potential of the A628 between junction 4 of the M67 and the M1 to become an Expressway, in line with the outcomes of the Transpennine Tunnel and the North of England Wider Transport Connectivity Strategy with regard to Kirklees Council boundaries.

Members expressed concern that TfN consultation events in Halifax were poorly attended and it was considered that the location and limited liaison with Calderdale were factors, although Members were appreciative of the additional session held in Huddersfield.  It was noted that the Combined Authority has a formal transport consultation mechanism involving meetings in each district which are held in public and comprise a mix of elected members and public representatives.  The next round of meetings are in April 2018.   In this respect Members asked that Transport for the North be invited to attend these meetings and provide a presentation with opportunities for a Question and Answer session.

The Committee asked that their thanks be passed to officers for their work on the consultation.

Dave Pearson, Director Transport Services for the Combined Authority was asked by the Committee to enquire whether Transport for the North would be able to arrange attendance at District Consultation Sub Committee meetings with the provision of a five to ten minute presentation and a Question and Answer session of a similar length.  The enquiry was made however TfN advised that they had already planned their consultation resources and were unable to attend given the relative short notice.

The Chair thanked Steve Heckley, Head of Transport Strategy Implementation for the Combined Authority for his work in supporting responses to these consultations.

Resolved:

(i)            That the update on government consultations on highways related matters be noted.

(ii)          That the Combined Authority’s response to the DfT consultation on Shaping the Future of England’s Strategic Roads (RIS2) be endorsed.

(iii)         That the recommended key themes identified in paragraph 2.12 of the submitted report forming the basis of the response of the Combined Authority to the DfT consultation on its proposals for the creation of a Major Road Network be agreed.

(iv)         That the consistent response of the West Yorkshire District Councils identified in  ...  view the full minutes text for item 57.

The Transport Committee considered a report on the Transport for the North consultation on its draft strategic Transport Plan.

Transport for the North (TfN) published a draft Strategic Transport Plan (STP) for the North on 16 January 2018 and a formal public and stakeholder consultation had commenced.

TfN was created as a pan-Northern Partnership Board of civic and business leaders working to develop the case for transformational investment in transport for the North.  In April 2018 TfN will become the first Sub-National Transport body in England tasked with making recommendations on behalf of the North to Highways England, Network Rail, High Speed 2 (HS2) Ltd and the Department for Transport in respect of requirements for the pan-Northern transport network.

Members discussed and agreed the recommended key themes detailed in the submitted report..  These would form the basis of the Combined Authority’s response to TfN’s Strategic Transport Plan consultation.

Resolved:

(i)            That the Transport for the North consultation on its draft Strategic Transport Plan be noted.

(ii)          That the recommended key themes identified in paragraph 2.15 of the submitted report as forming the basis of the Combined Authority’s response to TfN’s Strategic Transport Plan consultation be agreed.

The Transport Committee considered a report which:

Provided an update on the Transport Research Innovation Fund (TRIF) collaboration and sought comment on the dissemination of TRIF projects.

Sought approval for expenditure on the next phase of the TRIF Transport and Land Value Uplift Project.

Informed the Transport Committee of the proposed research activities of the Urban Transport Group

The Transport Research Innovation Fund (TRIF) is significant for bringing together the Combined Authority and ITS in a unique collaboration.  The Combined Authority has the ambition for everyone in the region to benefit from a strong successful economy and a modern, accessible transport system and ITS is a leading international centre for transport research.

The Transport Committee discussed the dissemination of TRIF projects and approved expenditure on the next phase of the TRIF Transport and Land Value Uplift Project and to note the proposed activities of the Urban Transport Group.

Resolved:

(i)            That the updates provided in the report on the Transport Research Innovation Fund (TRIF) be noted.

(ii)          That the progress in developing and delivering the Transport Research Innovation Fund collaboration and comments on the draft TRIF fact sheets and their potential publication be noted.

(iii)         That up to £50,000 funding for the Phase 2 Transport and Land Value Uplift research be agreed.

(iv)         The Urban Transport Group’s Business Plan, including its research programme be noted.

The Transport Committee considered a report which sought approval to expenditure from the Local Transport Plan Integrated Transport Programme on schemes to address health and safety issues at bus stations and to reduce costs and increase income from bus shelters.

·         Sought approval to an amendment to a scheme to improve pedestrian safety at Bradford Interchange.

Members considered the following two asset management schemes which are to be spent by the end of year 2 of the Programme in 2019.

·         Bus Station Health and Safety Programme

·         Bus Shelter Invest to Save Programme

The programmes will be managed within the Combined Authority’s Process which will ensure compliance with all relevant elements of programme control and value for money.

Resolved:

(i)            That the update on the Local Transport Integrated Schemes be noted.

(ii)          That the expenditure on the Bus Station Health and Safety Programme and Bus Shelter Invest to Save Programme be approved.

(iii)         That the amendment to the Bradford interchange Access Improvement scheme be approved.

(iv)         That the amendment to the Bus Hotspots Programme be supported.

The Transport Committee considered a report which provided an update on the following current issues:

·         Customer Satisfaction Monitoring

·         Connecting Leeds

·         Real Time Bus Passenger Information Display Upgrade

·         Transforming Cities Fund Update

·         Clean Bus Technology Fund and Zero Emission Bus Development

·         Recent Bus Service Changes

·         Network Rail Strategic Business Plan

·         May 2018 rail timetable change

·         Apperley Bridge and Kirkstall Forge Stations One-Year On Post Opening Evaluation

·         LCR HS2 Growth Strategy and Leeds Integrated Station Masterplan

Resolved:  That the updates provided in the report be noted.

The Transport Committee considered a report on transport related West Yorkshire and York Investment Committee recommendations from its meeting of 3 January 2018.

Following the Investment Committee meeting in January, the Chair of the Transport Committee requested that any transport related investment recommendations be reported to the Transport Committee.  This was the first of such reports.  It should be noted that all recommendations from Investment Committee in January were submitted to Combined Authority on 1 February 2018 and were approved or delegated for approval to the Combined Authority’s Managing Director.

Resolved:  That the summary of transport schemes which were considered by the Investment Committee in January 2018 be noted.

Resolved: That the minutes of the Leeds District Consultation Sub-Committee held on Monday 9 October 2017 be approved.

Resolved: That the minutes of the Calderdale District Consultation Sub-Committee held on Tuesday 10 October 2017 be approved.

Resolved:  That the minutes of the Bradford District sub-committee held on Monday 23 October 2017 be approved.

Resolved:  That the minutes of the Kirklees District Consultation Sub-Committee held on Wednesday 29 November 2017 be approved.

Resolved:  That the minutes of the meeting of the Wakefield District Consultation Sub-Committee held on Thursday 30 November 2017 be approved.

Resolved: That the minutes of the meeting of the Calderdale District Consultation Sub-Committee held on Tuesday 9 January 2018 be approved.

Resolved:  That the minutes of the meeting of the Kirklees District Consultation sub-committee held on Wednesday 10 January 2018 be approved.

Resolved:  That the minutes of the meeting of the Leeds District Consultation Sub-Committee held on Monday 15 January 2018 be approved.

Resolved:  That the minutes of the meeting of the Wakefield District Consultation Sub-Committee held on Thursday 18 January 2018 be approved.

Resolved:  That the meeting of the Wakefield District Consultation Sub-Committee held on Thursday 18 January 2018 be approved.