Issue - meetings

Report of the Director for Environment and Resident Services. To be introduced by Cabinet Member for Climate Action, Environment & Transport.

Consider all feedback, objections and monitoring data of the trial LTN and decide whether to make permanent the associated traffic orders.

Cllr Chandwani returned to the meeting room.

The Cabinet Member for Climate Action, Environment, and Transport introduced the report for Bounds Green LTN scheme and sought approval to make permanent the LTN Tria in Bounds Green.

The Cabinet Member further outlined that   the scheme had delivered on its objectives.

·         There had been a 66% decrease in traffic on internal roads.

·         An increase of 2% of traffic on boundary roads.

·         The trial has seen a 50% reduction in traffic collisions on internal roads and a 17% decrease in traffic collisions on boundary roads.

·         There was work in progress to improve bus reliability on Durnsford Road and a commitment from the team to address the long-standing issues on the boundary roads to include all those who rely on the roads.

·         The team had reinstated the Transport Inclusion Group to ensure that those with a disability, their carers, and those with a long-term health condition could be heard, and their suggestions then incorporated into the scheme. 

·         He stated that his team would continue to refine and improve the scheme in order to create a happier, healthier and more vibrant Bounds Green.

The following questions were raised and responded to, from Cllr Cawley – Harrison.

-       Responding on the disparity in support for the scheme, between those living within, and those living on the boundaries of the LTN and addressing their wellbeing, it was noted that ultimately traffic belonged on main roads and not on internal roads. He added that in other similar schemes, over time, the boundary roads had seen an overall decrease in traffic. In addition to this, the Council team were putting into place measures to make bus journeys along Durnsford Road the most efficient and cost-effective way to travel for residents.

-       Another question was raised around the evidence of a healthier lifestyle gathered from residents and the disparity in the overall support that residents felt. The Cabinet Member agreed that although evidence suggested that there were more people walking and cycling than before, support for the scheme in the resident consultation was not reflective of that. He pointed out that car owners had been disproportionately represented in the consultation (up to 80% had access to a car) and that this was beyond the census figures. Although, there was a disparity between the data and perceptions, the aim was to include everyone in the objectives. For this he felt that co-production was key going forward.

RESOLVED

1. To consider the measured impact of the trial LTN as set out in the Monitoring Reports, Appendix A1 and A2.

2. To consider the responses received to the non-statutory public consultations and the statutory consultation, including objections to the experimental traffic orders, as set out in the Consultation Reports, Appendix B1 to B4.

3. To approve the recommended responses to main themes of objection, as set out in Appendix C.

4. To consider and discharge the Council’s statutory duties under section 16 of the Traffic Management Act 2004 and section 122 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act  ...  view the full minutes text for item 92