Agenda item

To receive a draft scoping report and terms of reference for panel discussion (Martin Bradford, Research Officer, Overview & Scrutiny)

The panel discussed various aspects of the scoping report and the background data provided within it.  The following provides a summary of some of the issues raised by the panel and others present at the meeting. 

Place Survey

Excerpts from the Place Survey were presented to the review panel.  The panel were interested in the findings from the place survey, particularly those which highlighted the comparative ranking of transport as an issue of most concern in Haringey.  The Panel wished to receive further clarification on the methodology that was used for the Place Survey (there was some concern that this was a electronic survey).  It was agreed that this would be presented at the next meeting.

The panel also expressed a desire to see further comparative data from the Place Survey which related Haringey residents’ perceptions of transport issues alongside other London Boroughs.  It was also agreed that this would be presented at the next meeting.

               Agreed: That further details on the place survey as well as comparative data to be provided to the panel.

               Local Implementation Plan

The Panel noted that Local Authorities would begin to develop Local Implementation Plans in the spring of 2010 (subject to the completion of the Mayors Transport Strategy).  This in effect, is the boroughs local transport strategy.  As part of the preparation process, Haringey would be expected to consult widely with local stakeholders and other local interest groups.  It was noted that the timing of the review could be influential in guiding the development and content of the local strategy (through conclusions developed in the review and recommendations contained within final report). 

The Panel noted that process through which LIP funding was administered was being reformed: to simplify the process funding streams were being reduced from 23 to 5 to reduce; to reduce bureaucracy the requirement for LA’s to provide an annual report has been dropped; to create future certainty and planning more funding would be announced in advance.  Overall, the impact was to give LA’s further flexibility as to how they spend the TfL allocation (in relation to the Mayor’s transport priorities).  The panel noted that funding for Haringey from the Local Implementation Plan for 2010/2011 had been set at £2.8m. 

The panel sought further clarification on how budgets were allocated to LA’s through the LIP. It was noted that each year LA were required to outline bids to TfL relaying their transport plans for the year ahead and how they complied with the objectives of the Mayors Transport Strategy.  The Panel noted that under the new funding process, a funding formula had been developed which aims to recognise local needs and apportion funds accordingly.

Cycling

Proportionally fewer people cycle in Haringey compared to our geographic neighbours and to other comparable boroughs.  It was felt that this could be assessed within the review, to help understand why cycling is not as popular in Haringey and how modal share can be improved.  It was noted that there may be other boroughs which appear to be doing well in this respect from which Haringey could learn (i.e. Lambeth and Hackney).  It was agreed that further representation from cycling organisations be incorporated within the review.

Agreed: that further representation be sought from cycling organisations (i.e. London Cycling Campaign) or London Boroughs who have a good track record of cycling developments (e.g. Hackney and Lambeth) in the review.

20mph zones/ car free zones

The panel and those present discussed 20mph zones and car free developments.  It was noted that there were a number of 20mph zones in the borough already, most of these were in the east where there were higher accident rates.  There were plans to extend these further where there was evidence to do so. 

The Panel noted that there were a number of car free developments in Haringey which have had mixed response.  Whilst these have evidently reduced car usage (they do not totally exclude cars) it was noted that they were not without problems, particularly if those residents require a car for their own business.  Officers from the planning department would be visiting the review panel where members would be able to question them further on new car free developments. 

            Parking

The Panel discussed the influence of the availability of car parking and how this may affect people’s decision whether to use a car or opt for more sustainable methods of travel. The panel noted that a careful balance needed to be achieved to ensure that adequate parking was provided, particularly in business areas where parking needed to be provided to support economic development. 

It was noted that the council were currently evaluating a local scheme which considered parking and transport use within a local business area (Crouch End).  Members were keen to hear about the evaluation of the Stop and Shop scheme, and it was agreed that the findings would be presented to the Panel.

               Agreed: that the evaluation of stop and shop be presented to the panel. 

               Publicising the review

It was agreed that the review should be widely publicised to let local people know that this is taking place.  It was suggested that a short article be placed in Haringey People, explaining when the meetings were taking place and how local residents could become involved.  This could focus on improving participation at the meeting dedicated to hearing representations from local stakeholder groups (Haringey Cycling Campaign, Living Streets), community organisations (sustainable Haringey) and other local residents. 

Agreed: that an article promoting the review be placed in Haringey People.

            Aim of the review

The panel discussed the overarching aim of the review as presented in the scoping report and made a number of suggested amendments.  It was agreed that the aim of the review would be circulated to members via email for final approval. 

Review objectives:

Members of the review panel discussed the individual review objectives as presented in the scoping report and made a number of suggested amendments.  These would be circulated to members via email for final approval.

Work-plan

The work plan was presented to the panel via the scoping report.  It was noted that the work-plan was at this stage was in draft form and could be altered as the review progressed.  The planned evidence sessions were themed around the contributions of particular groups of informants/ work plan questions.  If there were any additional suggestions concerning potential witnesses to the review, or local groups that should be invited to attend, the panel were to notify the scrutiny officer.

It was noted that the work of the review would need to be completed by Mid March.  The work-plan anticipated four evidence sessions, with a further meeting to confirm the reviews conclusions and recommendations.  It was noted that there was scope for a further meeting in the New Year should the panel wish to receive further evidence.

               Community and public involvement

Members agreed that future meetings of the panel would be held at Haringey Civic in Wood Green as this is a convenient location for people across the borough.

               Further information requirements

During the course of discussions Members highlighted that they would like further information from the sustainable transport service on the following issues.  It was agreed that these would be prepared for the next panel meeting.

• Congestion data – highway congestion figures, crowding information for public transport, locations where traffic congestion causes problems for buses, cyclists and pedestrians.
• School Travel Plans – comparison of performance indicators with neighbouring boroughs
• List of TfL roads in Haringey

Agreed: the above date to be presented at the next panel meeting.