Agenda item

The contract and funding for the Bath freight consolidation operation, which is jointly procured with Bristol City Council, ended on 31st July 2014.  A joint competitive tendering exercise was undertaken for a new contract to run for 3 years with an option to terminate the contract after 2 years. A decision is now required to award the contract.

David Redgewell said he was very pleased that the contract was to be renewed.  He remained concerned about the level of vehicles and emphasised the need to reduce the number of HGVs coming into the city.  He asked the Cabinet to encourage Wiltshire County Council to look at its distribution networks too, especially around Trowbridge.

Councillor Charles Gerrish in an ad hoc statement welcomed the paper and said that he supported the principle.  He observed however that there was no mention of what would happen if Bristol declined to renew.  He asked the Cabinet to consider making it a condition of awarding planning consent to companies that they would use this facility.  He suggested that Planning Officers be asked to make it a condition for businesses that they use this facility.  He asked for Keynsham to be included in the contract.

Councillor Anthony Clarke in an ad hoc statement was supportive but emphasised the need to persuade big businesses to commit to the scheme

Councillor Caroline Roberts introduced the item and explained to Councillor Gerrish that there was already good reason to have a high level of confidence that Bristol would adopt the same approach.  She agreed to consider the inclusion of Keynsham in the scheme, as part of the Keynsham Transport Strategy.  She emphasised the Cabinet’s commitment to sustainable deliveries and said that the number of companies involved had risen from 17 in 2011 to 34 in 2014.  It was a contributing factor in improving air quality and in reducing the dirt and damage to buildings.  She moved the proposals.

Councillor Paul Crossley seconded the proposal.  He was pleased that the contract was to be renewed.  He assured David Redgewell that Cabinet would consider the situation in Wiltshire too.  He assured Councillor Charles Gerrish that should Bristol change its mind, the Cabinet would give serious consideration to continuing; but he was confident that Bristol would commit.

Councillor David Dixon supported the proposals.  He was pleased that there was an alternative, rather than just to hit businesses with the planning approach.  He observed to Councillor Charles Gerrish that some Keynsham businesses had already committed to the existing scheme.  He agreed that the Trowbridge situation needed to be explored.

Councillor Tim Ball supported the proposals.  He responded to Councillor Charles Gerrish that the imposition of planning conditions was not an option because the government minister had recently stripped Councils of many of its planning powers.

Councillor David Bellotti emphasised the importance of the proposals for the health of people in the city.  He commended the businesses which had already signed up to the contract.

On a motion from Councillor Caroline Roberts, seconded by Councillor Paul Crossley, it was

RESOLVED (unanimously)

(1) To AWARD the new contract for three years, with an option to terminate after two years.  If either authority took the decision to terminate the contract after two years, the other authority would have the option to continue for a further year; and

(2) To ASK the Strategic Director of Place during the contract period to explore local options that would help to expand the service further.