Agenda item

Following their consideration of this item on 10^th July, the Cabinet requested that officers prepare a briefing paper for this Panel summarizing the progress on the Clean Air Zone and wider ambitions for dealing with Climate Emergency.

The briefing paper is attached.

Cathryn Brown, Team Manager for Licensing and Environmental Protection and Chris Major, Group Manager for Transport and Parking introduced the report. They informed the Panel that there would be a report to the Cabinet on this issue in September 2019.

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

In response to a query from Councillor Hirst regarding recognition for small businesses working in the city (for example window cleaners), the officer explained that a number of mitigations would be available, local businesses would be able to access loans or grants.

In response to a query from Councillor Hirst regarding anti idling measures, the officer explained that there are proposals for managing this including funding for additional staff on the ground.

Regarding pedestrianisation, the officer responded to Councillor Hirst by explaining that a range of options would be put forward as part of the CAZ project and the move towards a more sustainable agenda. Councillor Warren, Cabinet Member for Climate Emergency and Neighbourhoods, commented that finding alternatives to car travel is important to this administration. She explained that the CAZ project is prescribed by the Government so there are some restrictions regarding timescales and she was awaiting the outcome of bids submitted.

In response to a query about electric car charging points from Councillor Craig, the officer explained that the authority as requested funding for 120 charging points as part of their bid. He further explained that there would be some challenges in putting charging points in some areas of the city where there is dense housing. The issue of charging points for taxis was also raised.

Councillor O Brien asked about the current independent review of the CAZ, the officer explained that this was a new review of the processes and frameworks.

In response to a query from Councillor O Brien regarding the charging points proposed by Bath Rugby, the officer confirmed that these would be in addition to the 120 that the authority had bid for.

Responding to a query from Councillor Born, the officer explained the current situation with the CAZ is that the authority is waiting to hear from the Government regarding funding bids. She added that there will be a report to Cabinet in September and that more information is available on the Bath Breathes website. www.bathnes.gov.uk/bath-breathes-2021-overview.

Councillor Born asked about electric car sharing clubs and the officer explained that proposals will be rolled out.

Councillor Davies asked about the loans available to businesses. The officer explained that he is working with central government on a package of measures.

Regarding questions from Councillor Hirst on Park and Ride vehicles carrying buses and the 42 bus service, the officer explained that the 42 service is a commercial service and subject to tender (as are 90% of bus services in the authority). He explained that there would be discussions with the RUH and others to determine which services are most needed to keep cars off the road. Regarding buses carrying bicycles, the officer explained that this would cause difficulty with some bus operators but he would continue to try and find solutions.

Councillor Bromley asked about security at Park and Ride sites if the opening hours are extended. The officer explained that the cost of an increase in CCTV and lighting on Park and Ride sights is included in the CAZ proposals.

In response to a question from Councillor Wait regarding the timescales for the response from the Government, the officer explained that it was due on 22nd July 2019 (today). The officer explained that the authority would assess the situation when the Government response was received.

The Panel RESOLVED to note the update.