Issue - meetings

[Report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods.  To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Transformation and Public Realm Investment]

To set out the Council's road safety programme for 2021/22 and how it contributes to achieving the Mayor For London's road accident reduction targets (Vision Zero).

The Cabinet Member for Transformation and Public Realm Investment introduced the report for the Road Safety Investment Plan for the 2021/22 financial year.  The plan included four key strands of work: Road Safety Strategy and Action Plan; road safety projects; pedestrian crossing projects; and ongoing behavioural change programmes and educational work.  The four strands would be aligned to the draft Walking and Cycling Action Plan, and also supplement the substantial investment set out within our investment plans.

In response to a question from Councillor Bull, the Cabinet Member advised that whilst it was frustrating that works had not commenced on The Roundway crossings, it was reliant on working with TfL, who had responsibility for traffic signalling.  TfL currently had a large number of staff on furlough so it was not currently possible to proceed with any works.

The Cabinet Member responded to questions from Councillor Emery:

-           Accident data was provided by the Met Police which gave a good evidence base to where accidents occurred.

-           Walking was a versatile mode of transport and investment in pavements, crossings, street lighting was constantly happening to enhance the experience for all residents.

The Cabinet Member for Planning and Corporate Services advised that where it was possible to convert cycle lanes to mandatory lanes without consultation the Council would do so as soon as possible.

RESOLVED to

1.         Approve the Road Safety Investment Plan for the 2021/22 financial year, as set out in paragraphs 6.13 to 6.34, subject to the consultations not raising any significant or substantial issues; and

2.         Give delegated authority to the Head of Highways and Parking, consequential on the Road Safety Investment Plan:

·      To make decisions relating to scheme design and implementation;

·      To carry out consultation;

·      To consider representations received in response to consultation and to report significant or substantial concerns back to the relevant Cabinet Member; and

·      To make traffic management orders, where there are no valid objections.

Reasons for Decision

The authority has a statutory duty under section 39 of the 1988 Road Traffic Act to “take steps both to reduce and prevent accidents”. It must also prepare and carry out a programme of measures designed to promote road safety.

This report recommends the programme for 2021/22, as well as identifying a new strategy document to assist in prioritisation in 2021/22 and in future years.

Alternative options considered

None. The authority has a statutory duty as set out in 4.1.

The preparation of a Road Safety Strategy and Action Plan with a supporting evidence base (borough road safety assessment) will enable the authority to target its investment where it is most needed.  This strategy will set the direction for future investment plans.