Issue - meetings

Report of the Director of Environment and Resident Experience.  To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Climate Action, Environment and Transport, and Deputy Leader of the Council.

Following informal and statutory consultation on two proposed School Streets, consider all feedback and objections, decide whether to make the associated traffic orders and implement the projects

The Cabinet Member for Climate Action, Environment, and Transport and Deputy Leader of the Council introduced the report, which sought agreement to determine whether St Paul’s RC Primary School Street (SS32) and Alexandra Primary and Heartlands High School Street (SS31) should be implemented. This particular scheme aligned with the adaptive programme in Wood Green, which included sustainable travel and promoted liveability principles in the area.

It was noted that this scheme incorporated public realm and footway improvements as well as biodiversity enhancements and climate mitigations.

In response to questions from Cllr das Neves and Cllr Connor, the following information was provided:

-      The strong feedback was that once school street schemes were in place, they were supported in the local area. A crucial element of ensuring success was engagement with schools, teachers, parents and stakeholders and this would be maintained.

-      Appendix A contained a map, which showed the proximity of respondents to the school, and residents and stakeholders close to the school street had indicated support for the scheme.

-      In relation to measuring success of the schemes, this would be through sensor monitoring of traffic in and around the school street. Anecdotal evidence showed that some small schemes could have a displacement of cars and where the Council could; it would look to extend the scheme to mitigate these types of issues. Overall, there was positive feedback on the implementation of the schemes and there would be annual surveys completed with school staff and pupils to maintain communication and update the scheme if needed.

-      The Council were seeking changes in the mode of travel to school and would not look to be increasing the number of exemption categories. There was the key need to improve safety, which a reduction in car usage supported.

-      The reference at recommendation 3.2 was referred to and it was clarified that this was a publishing error and a rogue reference number. The resolution was correct and paragraph number correct.

-      In reference to paragraph 6.34 and the negotiations with the police on the proximity of the school street to the zebra crossing and their base depot, this was ongoing and likely to continue in the coming months.

RESOLVED

1. To note and consider all feedback, including objections to the proposed traffic management orders, given during the 2023 consultation, as set out in Appendix A of this report.
2. To agree that the Council shall exercise its discretion to not cause a public inquiry to be called (see paragraph 6.36)
3. To approve the introduction of a new School Street (SS32) project adjacent to St Paul’s RC primary school in Bradley Road as shown in Appendix B of this report.
4. To note that the proposed School Street (SS31) project adjacent to Alexandra Primary and Heartlands High School in Western Road, as shown in Appendix C, is paused whilst further attempts are made to resolve an unwithdrawn objection.
5. To authorise the Head of Highways and Parking to make all necessary traffic management orders (TMOs) and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 38