Agenda item

The Cabinet Member will update the Panel on any relevant issues. Panel members may ask questions on the update provided.

Councillor Manda Rigby, Cabinet Member for Highways, gave an update which covered the following: (a copy of the full statement is attached to these minutes).

·  General update from last meeting

·  Traffic management, Network Management, road safety

·  Local Highway Improvement Programme

·  City Centre Security

·  Highway maintenance

·  Parking

·  Liveable Neighbourhoods delivery

·  Forward plan of work for next period

Panel members asked the following questions:

Councillor David stated that there had been good feedback regarding the resurfacing works on Moorland Road. She asked about levels of staffing regarding parking enforcement. The Cabinet Member explained that around 90% of the roles have been filled – shift patterns have changed and there is a zero abuse strategy which has made the job more attractive. We are doing the best we can.

Councillor Heijltjes asked how the Cabinet Member thought the scheme at Lyme Gardens would enable modal shift. The Cabinet Member explained that the scheme had come forward from ward Councillors and is moving towards an ETRO which will tease out the issues. The area may fit the School Streets criteria.

Councillor Simon asked for an update on the Devonshire Tunnel. The Cabinet Member explained that this was operated by SusTrans and not the Council but some of the work to fix the issue was on Council land. She understands that it would not be a simple fix and that the plan involved pumping out water. In terms of the relevant Cabinet portfolio – it was confirmed that it was within the Cabinet Member for Economic and Cultural Sustainable Development.

Councillor Heijltjes asked about the removal of physical barriers on a public rights of way. The Cabinet Member stated that there was one rights of way officer and there is a programme of work which includes looking at accessibility and checking for barriers.

Councillor Sarah Warren, Cabinet Member for Climate Emergency and Sustainable Travel, gave an update which covered the following: (a copy of the full statement is attached to these minutes).

·  Green Transformation

·  Energy

·  Climate and Engagement

·  Nature

·  Sustainable Transport

·  Active Travel Masterplan

·  Consultation and opportunities to engage

Panel members asked the following questions:

Councillor Heijltjes asked for an update on Tier (E Scooters). The Cabinet Member explained that there are plans to expand the zone. In response to a question from Councillor Hughes, the Cabinet Member explained that the Government set the terms of the trial, it will currently run up to March 2026 (it has been extended 3 times so far).

Councillor David stated that she welcomed the plan for parking slots for the E Scooters – she stated that locally there was some support but others did not like them on the pavements. She asked if there were any other methods of funding. The Cabinet Member explained that she was hopeful of a move (with WECA) to have a share of the income.

Councillor Halsall asked about the training for officers regarding the retrofitting of historic buildings and also progress on the challenges regarding building consent. The Cabinet Member stated that this was an ongoing challenge.