Agenda item

There will be an introductory presentation on the Transport Strategy - Implementation Plan (Bath, Keynsham, Somer Valley, Chew Valley). The presentation slides are attached.

Peter Dawson – Group Manager Planning, Policy and Transport gave a presentation to the Panel on Transport Strategy (a copy of the presentation slides are appended to the agenda papers for this meeting and available on the Minute Book held by Democratic Services). The presentation included:

·  Getting around Bath Transport Strategy

·  62,000 journeys to work start or finish in Bath

·  Challenges remain in Bath – lack of bypass/ring road

·  A46/A4/A36 National Primary Route

·  What’s in the Strategy

·  What is to be done next?

·  Keynsham Transport Strategy

·  Proposals from Strategy

·  Chew Valley and Somer Valley Transport Strategies – Work in Progress

Panel members made the following points and asked the following questions:

Councillor Butters asked if there was information around the proportion of journeys for which people would be amenable to not using their cars. The officer explained that this information is not readily available but agreed to send to the Panel members information on how many journeys go through Bath.

Councillor Romero asked if the 28,000 people travelling into Bath were from one area. The officer explained that it was a fairly broad spread with a concentration from Somer Valley and Bristol.

Councillor Romero asked about the Cabinet members’ interpretation of the Transport Strategy. The officer explained the administration had agreed with the Transport Strategy.

Councillor Hale asked if there was resistance to joining the dog-leg (A36 and A46). The officer explained that this was expensive and would cause environmental damage. He explained that a range of options are being considered and that officers are speaking to Wiltshire Council and also to Highways England.

Councillor Bull referred to the Transport Strategy and the loss of 400 parking spaces and asked if this will continue to be the case. The officer explained that he was not aware that this policy would change and that the issue is complex.

There was some discussion around the proposed changes to the rail network. The officer explained that there was capacity for another station between Keynsham and Bristol and there was going to be a change in tracks at Bathampton and potential to allow a Park and Ride to the east of Bath to have access to rail. He explained that the proposals for electrified rail would mean some services to London would be 20 minutes faster from Bristol via Bristol Parkway creating significant capacity on trains through Bath.

Councillor Hale asked about coach dropping off points. The officer explained that there is a discussion with the developers of North Quays.

Councillor Simmons asked about electric buses and the officer stated that the Council would support companies to do this.

Councillor Bull asked for a timeline for implementation for the strategy to inform how the Panel can be involved. He also asked for an update on East Bath Park and Ride at the end of the consultation period on this issue to see what options emerge. The officer explained that the consultation was due to start in September.

Councillor Turner asked for information about the European Commissioners visit and what was said about pollution. The officer stated that he would ask a colleague for a note of the meeting.

Regarding Keysham Transport Strategy, the officer explained the challenge in terms of traffic wanting to cross the river. Councillor Hale asked for a copy of the work and of Keynsham Parking Survey. Councillor Simmons explained that he is Chair of Dial a Ride in Keynsham, he feels that  one way system would help.

Regarding the Chew Valley and Somer Valley Transport Strategy, the officer explained that this work was in progress and that he would bring the information to the September meeting of the Panel.

Councillor Bull asked that the Panel receive updates on these strategies at regular intervals.