Agenda item

Cllr Clyde Loakes & Steve Heckley

Members received a presentation from Councillor Clyde Loakes of the London Borough of Waltham Forest on the projects being delivered through the council’s Mini-Holland programme.

Key points were highlighted:

·         They started with the busiest road in the borough and began to close roads to traffic

·         There was an engagement and a consultation phase of 6 months

·         Public demonstrated against road closures

·         12 roads were closed

·         Enforced between 10am – 10pm

·         20mph speed limit

·         The ‘Hopper Bus’ still allowed access

·         After completion many were supportive of the positive impact

·         Increased walking and micro-scooting

Before and after pictures were shared with members which showed increased pedestrian traffic, previously empty shops occupied by local businesses. There was a use of blended crossings which prioritised pedestrians rather than cars. Also the achievements became a key response to the climate emergency and public health issues.

Members thanked Councillor Loakes for an extremely interesting presentation. They were then given the opportunity to ask questions and comment.

·         In implementing newer routes for cycling and walking has rail use increased?

More people are using cycle parking at rail and bus stations and often have to use a new application to check ‘parking’ availability.

·         Did the improvement of air quality in the area result in a negative impact to other areas?

Implementation did move more traffic back onto the main roads but not a high amount. It did mean that cars remain on A-roads rather than cutting through the borough to London.

·         How were buses treated in the changes to roads?

Councillor Loakes said that bus use was on the decline in his district and they were seeing a 10% decrease every year. This was attributed to more working from home and treating leisure time differently. Bus lanes had actually been taken out. Bus gates were being used to enable ambulances to get through closed streets.

The Chair praised how had consultation worked well in this and the previous item. Members raised concerns as to the lack of consultation in regards to the New Mill Scheme, claiming that residents do not know what is actually being proposed. The Chair confirmed that she would come back to this at a later date.

Finally Councillor Loakes reiterated that engagement and consultation were really important as was meeting residents groups at each stage of the process. To take people on this transformational journey they must be invested in, as this is real change and will upset some people at first.

It was agreed that the presentation would be circulated to members after the meeting.

Resolved:    

(i)        That the Committee thanked Councillor Loakes for his presentation.

(ii)       That the Committee noted the progress with the Streets for People demonstration projects being delivered in West Yorkshire through the integrated Transport Block Programme 2019-22.

(iii)      That the Transport Committee agrees to hold a workshop in January or February 2020 with West Yorkshire District Portfolio Holders and members of the Inclusive Growth and Public Policy Panel, Place Panel and Green Economy Panel to review progress and input into the further progression of the Streets for People Demonstration projects.