Issue - meetings

To consider the Cycling Scrutiny Review and agree the Cabinet’s response to the recommendations.

Councillor Jogee to introduce the Scrutiny Review.

Councillor Ahmet to provide the Cabinet Response to the Scrutiny recommendations.

The Leader invited Councillor Jogee to present the Scrutiny review findings on Cycling.

Cllr Jogee provided some background to the review by explaining that Cycling can often be viewed as a niche issue but it was, in many ways, a far broader debate about the sort of streets and neighbourhoods that residents want to live in. It could play a significant part in making streets clean, welcoming, safe and healthy places to live learn and work.

Cllr Jogee advised that there have been massive increases in cycling in London over recent years but there was still huge untapped potential for further increase, particularly in the suburbs. Realising this potential could mean fewer cars, less congestion, cleaner air and a more active population so the potential benefits are considerable particularly in use in economic uncertain times

Councillor Jogee welcomed the Cabinet responses to the Scrutiny Panel review recommendations with 18 of the 20 recommendation fully accepted. The review was a thorough and detailed piece of work and Cllr Jogee thanked Councillor colleagues who participated in the review as well as the Principal Scrutiny officer, Rob Mack.

The review panel had worked hard to ensure stakeholders were involved in the review and important issues were raised in the review which Cllr Jogee hoped to see progress on.

Councillor Ahmet, Cabinet Member for Environment, responded to the review findings and outlined thatthe Corporate Plan was explicit in setting out the Council’s aspiration to become one of the most cycle friendly boroughs in London. The vast majority of recommendations made in the scrutiny review were proposed for agreement and the Cabinet Member was confident that they would assist the Council in delivering on this pledge.

Reducing private car journeys by increasing cycling rates could also play a key part in achieving improvements to air quality, noise reduction and support sustainable development.

The Cabinet Member supported and shared the Mayor of London’s vision for cycling in London and was determined to play a part in making that a reality in Haringey. The Panel’s work would be integral to the preparation of the Cycling and Walking Strategy which will set out how to deliver an ambitious template for increasing cycling rates throughout the borough.

RESOLVED

To agree the responses to the recommendations.