Issue - meetings

RECOMMENDED that a dedicated budget is included in the Local Transport Plan (LTP) Capital programme for 2024/25 financial year to recommence delivery of 20mph speed limits on a neighbourhood basis with a focus on residential roads and this is continued into future years subject to the availability of capital funding.

The Portfolio Holder for Connected Communities presented the report on the Our People and Communities 20mph Options Appraisal and outlined the recommendations as set out on the agenda.

Due to a disturbance from members of the public the meeting was adjourned at 19:39 and reconvened at 19:50 to enable to public gallery to be cleared.

Following the recommencement of the meeting comprehensive discussion took place with the following aspects being raised: -

·        Concern was expressed with regards to the lack of public consultation

·        Council was advised that there was considerable public opinion against this

·        The importance of a cohesive and collaborative approach was highlighted.

Councillor Philip Broadhead proposed an amendment to the recommendation which was seconded by Councillor Cameron Adams and sought to remove wording so the recommendation read as follows: -

(a)          that a dedicated budget is included in the Local Transport Plan (LTP) Capital programme for 2024/25 financial year to recommence delivery of 20mph speed limits on a neighbourhood basis with a focus on residential roads and this is continued into future years subject to the availability of capital funding.

Council debated the amendment following which the proposed amendment fell with voting: For:13, Against:49, Abstentions:4

Councillors Bobbie Dove and Duane Farr requested that their votes for the amendment be recorded.

Members then proceeded to debate the original recommendation as set out on the agenda where discussion focused around the need for consultation and of the limits being placed in specific residential areas particularly around schools and where residents are supportive of them.

A recorded vote was requested but was not supported by the required number of councillors, the request therefore fell.

RESOLVED that: -

(a)           a dedicated budget is included in the Local Transport Plan (LTP) Capital programme for 2024/25 financial year to recommence delivery of 20mph speed limits on a neighbourhood basis with a focus on residential roads and this is continued into future years subject to the availability of capital funding.

Note – resolutions (b) and (c) were resolved matters by the Cabinet.

Voting: For:41, Against:12, Abstentions:14

Councillors Cameron Adams, John Beesley, Bobbie Dove and Duane Farr requested that their votes against the item be recorded.

The purpose of this report is to present the outputs of a review of local and national 20mph initiatives and to seek endorsement for a programme to enable the delivery of 20mph speed limits to create safer neighbourhoods across the three towns and make journeys by all modes safer. This will be achieved in areas through consultation with residents in priority communities, and through the reinstatement of a dedicated 20mph speed limit budget allocation within the Council’s Local Transport Plan (LTP) Capital programme.

RECOMMENDED that Council: -

Include a dedicated budget in the Local Transport Plan (LTP) Capital programme for 2024/25 financial year to recommence delivery of 20mph speed limits on a neighbourhood basis with a focus on residential roads and this is continued into future years subject to the availability of capital funding.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holders: Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Connected Communities

Climate Response, Environment and Energy

Reason

There are approximately 77 areas across the conurbation that already have 20mph limits in place as shown in Appendix A.

The installation of further 20mph limits would create safer neighbourhoods and streets which is aligned with both the Our People and Communities and Our Place and Environment vision and ambitions within the Corporate Strategy.

Local evidence suggests that 20mph speed limit only schemes are effective at reducing the number and severity of collisions that result in injuries and death on roads. This report therefore recommends that a dedicated 20mph speed limit budget is established.

The Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Connected Communities presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'E' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

Cabinet was advised that the purpose of the report was to present the outputs of a review of local and national 20mph initiatives and to seek endorsement for a programme to enable the delivery of 20mph speed limits to create safer neighbourhoods across the three towns and make journeys by all modes safer.

In relation to this Cabinet was informed that this would be achieved in areas through consultation with residents in priority communities, and through the reinstatement of a dedicated 20mph speed limit budget allocation within the Council’s Local Transport Plan (LTP) Capital programme.

The Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Board, Councillor Bartlett addressed the Cabinet advising that at their recent meeting the Board had proposed the following recommendations: -

1.    That Option B as outlined in the report be recommended to Cabinet for its approval subject to Cabinet committing to robust and meaningful consultation on each 20mph area and that residents’ views be taken into account before any decisions on implementation are made.

(Majority Decision)

2.    That as part of the ongoing process Cabinet considers focusing identifying areas around schools and pre-school settings for the introduction of 20mph road safety measures.

(Unanimous Decision)

The Chair of the Board advised that the discussion at the Board had been focused on consultation, and that whilst the Board were largely in favour of the proposals that there was concern around the potential lack of consultation.

Members addressed the Cabinet advising of the representations received within their wards and stressing the importance of early and comprehensive consultation.

Further to this there was a request from a member to defer and carry out a meaningful survey.

Cabinet considered the recommendations from the Overview and Scrutiny Board and in relation to this resolved to accept recommendation (1) as set out and to accept recommendation (2) in part with a slight tweak with regards to the wording.

RECOMMENDED that Council: -

(a)           Include a dedicated budget in the Local Transport Plan (LTP) Capital programme for 2024/25 financial year to recommence delivery of 20mph speed limits on a neighbourhood basis with a focus on residential roads and this is continued into future years subject to the availability of capital funding.

RESOLVED that: -

(b)          Option B as outlined in the report be approved subject to Cabinet committing to robust and meaningful consultation on each 20mph area and that residents’ views be taken into account before any decisions on implementation are made; and

(c)          as part of the ongoing process Cabinet considers focusing on areas around schools and nurseries for the introduction of 20mph road safety measures.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holders: Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Connected Communities

Climate Response, Environment and Energy

Reason

There are approximately 77 areas across the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 120