A report providing the Sub-Committee with recommendations for the temporary active travel schemes that were implemented using the Governments emergency ‘Tranche 1’ funding that was awarded during the start of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.

The Executive Director for Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services submitted a report providing the Sub-Committee with recommendations for the temporary active travel schemes that had been implemented using the government emergency ‘Tranche 1’ funding that had been awarded during the start of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.  Scheme details, plans and recommendations were attached to the report at Appendix 1.

The report recommended agreement by the Sub-Committee to the majority of the schemes being considered as permanent measures, supporting cycling within the Borough.  However, it recommended that the temporary scheme on Sidmouth Street, which required a Traffic Regulation Order, proceeded to statutory consultation to openly seek public feedback on whether it should become permanent.  This was in the context of future potential to increase linking to the wider surrounding cycle network.

With regard to Sidmouth Street and its connectivity to other schemes, Councillor Page reported that under the Bus Service Improvement Plan there was provision for an in-bound bus lane along London Road that could be used by cyclists, but there was much work to do with the Department of Transport before this would be signed-off.

Resolved –

(1)     That the report be noted;

(2)     That the Tranche 1 Active Travel Schemes in the following locations be considered as permanent measures:

·         George Street (Reading Bridge);

·         Southampton Street, Silver Street, Mount Pleasant and Whitley Street;

·         Oxford Road;

·         Christchurch Road;

·         Redlands Road;

(3)     That in relation to the Tranche 1 Active Travel Scheme on Sidmouth Street:

(a)     The Assistant Director of Legal and Democratic Services be authorised to undertake statutory consultation processes for the proposed (permanent) implementation of the scheme in accordance with the Local Authorities Traffic Orders (Procedure) (England and Wales) Regulations 1996;

(b)     The Highways & Traffic Services Manager, in agreement with the Lead Councillor for Climate Strategy and Transport, be able to make minor alterations to the agreed proposals;

(c)      Subject to no objections being received, the Assistant Director of Legal and Democratic Services be authorised to make the Traffic Regulation Order;

(d)     Should any objection(s) be received during the statutory consultation period, that these be reported to a future meeting of the Sub-Committee for consideration and decision regarding scheme delivery;

(4)     That in relation to the petition received for the removal of the Sidmouth Street scheme (referred in Appendix 1, attached to the report, and in paragraph 11.1 of the report) the lead petitioner be informed of the decision of the Sub-Committee;

(5)     That subject to the Sub-Committee decisions regarding each scheme, Officers be authorised to undertake investigations for the additional enhancements referenced in Appendix 1, attached to the report, subject to funding, and reporting to appropriate Committees as might be necessary to obtain scheme and spend approval;

(6)     That no public inquiry be held into the proposals.