Agenda item

To consider an overview of the sustainable transport schemes and initiatives the Council is proposing to deliver, including the following:

·         Reducing motor vehicle use and improving sustainable transport use in the borough; 

·         Achieving a more equitable balance between drivers, pedestrians and cyclists on our roads; 

·         Encouraging people to change their travel habits to help improve local air quality;

·         The expansion of car clubs; and

·         Supporting people to use more sustainable forms of transport.

Emma Williamson, Assistant Director for Planning, reported on the Council’s Sustainable Transport Programme as follows:

·         There was a need for developers to agree travel arrangements for new developments with the Council.  Some developments were designated as “car free”;

·         There had been a lot of investment in cycling across the borough.  Current plans included the development of Quietways, which were routes that used relatively quiet side streets.  In addition, the provision of cycle hangars was being extended and cycle training was provided free for residents and people who worked in the borough;

·         The Council was committed to expanding facilities for the charging of electric vehicles.  In addition, Haringey was part of the consortium of boroughs that was working to increase the take up of electric vehicles and expand the charging network through the Go Ultra Low City Scheme;

·         Haringey had been included as one of ten Low Emission Bus Zones; 

·         As part of the development of the Council’s new Transport Strategy, a Cycling and Walking Strategy would be developed; and

·         60 new bays were to be created as part of the expansion of car clubs. 

Panel Members asked what the procedure was for the removal of abandoned bicycle parts that were left on bike stands.  They felt that these were unsightly, used up valuable cycle parking pace and advertised theft.  Peter Boddy, Sustainable Transport Manager, reported that this was a waste issue and agreed to raise it with the Neighbourhood Action Team.   In response to a question regarding the design of cycle stands, he stated that the Council’s existing standard design was the “Sheffield”.  It was compact, widely used and supported by cycling groups.  However, consideration could be given to alternatives as part of discussion of the public realm.  The Panel noted that the “Camden” design of cycle stand had been developed as part of efforts to design out crime. 

Mr Boddy reported that it was acknowledged that the design of stand that had been used in the Turnpike Lane area was a poor choice. Haringey Cycling Campaign and the London Cycling Campaign had assumed the role as the Council’s critical friend and were able to provide feedback on designs.  A number of new stands were installed every year. 

In answer to a question regarding why the A1 in Highgate had not been included in the low emission bus zone area, Mr Boddy stated that he felt that this was probably due to cost issues.  The borough was glad to have two routes that were within the zones and would continue to lobby for areas within the borough to be included.  He agreed to find out further information regarding the status of the A1 in respect of this. 

The Panel drew attention to the plans of Source London to install 6000 charging points across London by 2020, which it was felt would equate to approximately 165 points in Haringey.  Ann Cunningham, Head of Traffic Management, stated that the Council did not currently have that level of detail on the plans but would be happy to report back once it became available.  The charging points would be borough wide and would be for all electric vehicles and not just private cars. 

Ms Cunningham reported that car tax charges were being increased to reflect vehicle emission levels.  In addition, parking permit bands had been set locally by the Council to encourage the use of vehicles with lower emissions. There were some challenges in enforcement that needed to be addressed though. 

The Panel felt that positive news, such as the installation of cycle hangars, needed to be promoted strongly.  Although no car developments were increasing in number, housing estates were not making the same level of progress and there was still some way to go to bring about culture change. Ms Cunningham reported that the Smarter Travel programme was aimed at bringing about behaviour change.  In particular, the borough received funding from Transport for London as part of its Active Travel programme for a range of initiatives.  Car Clubs were growing in popularity and the number of Controlled Parking Zones on hosing estates was increasing. 

In answer to a question, Mr Boddy reported that there was a record of where all bike hangars had been installed and consideration of where they currently were located was part of the prioritisation process. The hangars cost £5,000 over three years and there was currently funding for another 10 to be installed this year.  He stated that they were aiming to distribute them evenly across the borough but there were some areas where demand was higher than others. 

AGREED:

1.    That the issue of the removal of abandoned bicycle parts on cycle stands be raised with the Neighbourhood Action Team; and

2.    That the Sustainable Transport Manager be requested to provide further information on reason for the non inclusion of the A1 within a low emission bus zone.