Agenda item

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 install any necessary highway infrastructure and works necessary to give effect to the School Street design set out in Appendix B of this report.

Reasons for decision

The overall reason for proceeding with the proposed School Street is in summary as follows: School Streets are a key priority for the Council, as set out within the School Street Plan^[1], the Walking and Cycling Action Plan^[2] and the Corporate Delivery Plan 2022-2024^[3]. See further sections 7, 8 and 9 below.

The reason for recommendation 3.1 and 4 is to ensure compliance with the Regulations^[4] whereby the order making authority must consider all unwithdrawn objections before making an order.

The reasons for recommendation 2 are set out at paragraphs 6.36 and, in summary; the reasons for recommendation 3 are as follows:

·                To improve the health of children by increasing active travel, reducing road danger and improving air quality near the school gate.

·                The school is supportive of the proposal; and

·                The proposals contribute towards the strategic objectives of the Council.

The reason for recommendation 5 is to enable implementation of the School Street.

Alternative options considered

Do nothing.

This option was rejected as not delivering School Streets would not meet the objectives set out in the Corporate Delivery Plan, the Transport Strategy, the Climate Change Action Plan, the Walking and Cycling Action Plan and the School Street Plan.

Implement SS31 Alexandra Primary and Heartlands High School Street

This option was rejected as the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) have objected to the project on the grounds that it will impact their operational base located in Western Road. The Council will continue to work with the MPS in an attempt to resolve that objection.