Agenda item

(Indicative timing 10.25 – 11.05am)

The Panel received an update on developments relating to walking and cycling schemes in Worcestershire.

In the course of the discussion, the following main points were raised:

·       The Panel had last received an update in November 2020.  The overarching Government policy remained the same as in 2020 and was set out in the document ‘Gear Change: A Bold Vision for Walking and Cycling’.  This was supported by a Local Transport Note (LTN) which provided guidance on delivering high quality infrastructure.

·       One change since the last update had been the creation of a national agency (Active Travel England) which would commence its work in the summer.  It was agreed that the location of the headquarters of the new agency would be confirmed following the meeting.

·       Concern was expressed about debris on cycle ways which may pose a danger to cyclists.  It was confirmed that the County Council worked with District Councils to ensure that a cleaning and sweeping regime was maintained.  If a Councillor or a member of the public was made aware of any debris, they should report it via the Council’s website (‘Report It’) and it would be followed up in the usual way.

·       It was confirmed that any newly developed shared use spaces (ie for walking and cycling) would now have to be 3 metres wide.

·       It was confirmed that the Bikeability scheme was primarily aimed at schools, although some events had recently taken place in Wychavon to encourage adults and families to cycle safely.

·       ‘Share with care’ signage was used on shared routes, although it was confirmed that this did not include specific advice on keeping a safe distance.  In Bromsgrove, work had been carried out with school children who had designed their own signage to raise awareness of safe sharing.

·       The Panel had been provided with a summary of the key schemes that were in development, delivery or complete.  With reference to Hampton Bridge, Evesham it was confirmed that the planning application was due to be determined by the end of this year with delivery set for next year.  Early works in relation to Kepax Bridge Worcester had now commenced.  Members were informed that there had been a significant investment of £10-20 million in the two schemes.

·       The Chairman asked that a map be provided showing the location of the schemes described, together with photos or sketches of what has been or will be achieved.

·       It was confirmed that a programme of monitoring, including before and after data where available, would be put in place for each scheme.  Monitoring data would be included in any future Panel updates.

·       It was confirmed that, when an issue was reported to the County Council, it would be followed up with the relevant body, whether or not it was a function of the County Council.

·       In addition to schemes carried out by the County Council, developers may include walking and cycling provision when delivering housing development.

·       With reference to the Levelling Up Fund, although the round 1 submission had been unsuccessful, feedback had been positive and officers were encouraged for round 2, although there could be no certainty at this stage.

·       Members were reminded that Section 106 money could only be used to offset a development’s impact on the local area.  For some developments, the infrastructure may be built before the development, for example the Broomhall Way Footbridge.  It was confirmed that there was no standard amount for Section 106 money with each development being assessed on a case-by-case basis, based on the impact for each site.  It was agreed that the amount of funding identified for cycling infrastructure as part of Section 106 funding would be confirmed following the meeting.

·       With reference to Public Rights of Way, it was agreed that consideration would be given to including contact details for reporting any issues on signage on the routes.  Members were reminded that issues could be reported via the County Council’s website and Members could inform Highways Liaison Officers.  It was also agreed that consideration would be given to additional signage on the Shakespeare right of way to indicate its historical significance.

·       It was confirmed that the schemes listed in the agenda report related to the 2021/22 financial year.

·       With reference to the canal towpath scheme between Stourport and Kidderminster, it was confirmed that construction had started and would continue throughout the summer.

·       It was confirmed that the recruitment of a Sustainable Transport Officer had now commenced.  This role would focus on the development of Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans (LWCIPs).  The Department for Transport had requested that these documents were in place as part of the funding mechanism.

·       It was confirmed that minor improvement work had been carried out on Old Road in Worcester.  However, this was not flood mitigation and it was acknowledged that some parts of the path would continue to flood.

·       The outcome of the bid in relation to Westlands Roundabout, Droitwich was still awaited.

·       The Chairman welcomed the work done in relation to the extension of NCN 442 but reminded the Panel that only half of the route had been resurfaced, leaving cyclists to cross a muddy field.

·       It was confirmed that information would be given to local Members as a scheme moved towards the delivery stage.  For smaller schemes, information would come via the Liaison Officer whereas for larger schemes, information may come from the Project Manager.

·       The Chairman asked about progress in resolving issues on the A46 where the crossing refuge in the middle of the road was too narrow for cycles to stop safely.  It was confirmed that this had been raised with National Highways and an update was expected imminently.  It was suggested that any update should also be shared with Councillor Eyre.

·       Concern was expressed about the data included in Appendix 2.  It was suggested that, for the data to be of value, it would need to include figures from 2018 to give a comparison with the situation pre-covid.  A comparison with vehicle data would also be helpful.  It was confirmed that this data would be shared with the Panel.

The Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Highways and Transport told Members that he was genuinely committed to improving the infrastructure for walking and cycling, as evidenced by the number of schemes listed in the agenda report.  He noted the importance of changing people’s behaviour and encouraging people to get out of their cars where possible in order to also reduce levels of congestion.  He felt it was important to cater for choice and reduce conflict between road users, for example between cyclists and motorists.  Investment in railways was also important in reducing car usage and the County Council had invested in an extensive programme of building station car parks.  He reminded the Panel that car usage had now returned to pre-covid levels.  The school run could increase traffic levels by as much as 20% and he would welcome a debate on the school run to encourage residents out of cars at an early age.

The Panel agreed that a further update would be requested in 12 to 18 months’ time, to include:

·       what had been achieved/completed, including the cost

·       a map showing the location of schemes described and images of completed schemes

·       details of future projects.