Agenda item

The Panel will receive a presentation from the Group Manager for Planning Policy & Transport regarding this item.

The Group Manager for Transport Policy introduced this item to the Panel. He informed them that work on the strategy for Chew Valley had not fully commenced yet and was near to a public consultation stage.

Bath Transport Strategy

Adopted November 2014

14 Policy areas within the Strategy, below are a summary of points regarding some of them.

Improvements made to outside the Guildhall, Seven Dials and Stall Street

Councillor Alan Hale commented that shared spaces were not always good for citizens who are partially sighted or blind.

The Group Manager for Transport Policy replied that there had been a slight tension in achieving this aspiration but discussions were held with the RNIB. He added he would welcome a forum where groups can sit down with the Council and agree the best way forward. He said that these schemes can also lead to a reduction in blue badge parking spaces.

Councillor Dine Romero asked why double yellow lines were put in place on Stall Street following the improvements.

The Group Manager for Transport Policy replied that this was a compromise as the number of signs that would have been required to signify where to park would have been significant.

Councillor Lin Patterson said that if a forum were agreed that the RNID should also be included. She asked if there were enough cycle parking spaces within the Council.

The Group Manager for Transport Policy replied that he would encourage cycle racks wherever possible as he felt there was an unmet demand.

Dedicated cycle route between Bath Spa University and the centre of the City and plans for similar within the new Quays area and the Enterprise Zone.

Works ongoing within North Quays and Avon Street with coach parking to be accommodated on Weston Island on a temporary basis.

Councillor Dine Romero asked if while this work was being carried out any provision had been made for students attending the City of Bath College as well as other residents and visitors.

The Group Manager for Transport Policy replied that he was not aware of any specific drop off plans at this stage. He said that he would look into the matter on behalf of the Panel.

This has been a major work stream for the department and has heavily involved the LDF Steering Group over the last few months. This Panel will hold a special meeting next week to discuss the matter further.

Councillor Dine Romero asked how well were other options for the Park & Ride, such as work to the A350 and an additional M4 junction being considered.

The Group Manager for Transport Policy replied that a West of England study was being carried with regard to a possible 18A junction. He added that any plans for a link road require the involvement of Highways England.

Councillor Lin Patterson asked how thorough have the various Park & Ride sites been researched.

The Chairman replied that the work regarding the sites has been very thorough with the LDF Steering Group alone meeting numerous times since January.

The Council supports the Metro West improvement plans which include a station at Portishead, mores services to stop at Keynsham & Oldfield Park and the main line electrification programme.

We continue to work Wiltshire, Dorset and Highways England on this matter.

Councillor Dine Romero asked if we can seek inclusion of the works we are seeking in the Highways England budget by 2020.

The Group Manager for Transport Policy replied that the Council was developing a communication strategy to highlight the need for their involvement.

Some options exist for further use of the river through proposals for the Park & Ride.

Keynsham Transport Strategy

Agreed by Cabinet in July 2015

To minimise the negative effects of traffic congestion in and around Keynsham and ensuring it retains its independence and its separate identity within an attractive rural setting by becoming a more sustainable, desirable and well-connected place in which to live and work.

Since then we have:

·  Reviewed Pedestrian and Cycle Routes Outside the Town Centre

·  Improved Keynsham High Street Public Realm

·  Reviewed Future Car Parking Demand

·  Begun an Avon Mill Lane/A4 Link Road Assessment

The Group Manager for Transport Policy said that he hoped to be able to publish a draft of the Chew Valley Transport Strategy in April / May and would bring it to the next appropriate meeting of the Panel.

The Chairman thanked him for his presentation on behalf of the Panel.