Agenda item
Local Sustainable Transport Fund
The Transportation Planning Manager will give a presentation on this item to the Panel.
Minutes:
The Group Manager for Planning Policy & Transport and the Transportation Planning Manager gave a presentation to the Panel regarding this item. A full copy of the presentation can be found on the Panel’s Minute Book, a summary is set out below.
What is the Local Sustainable Transport Fund?
· Announced January 2011
· To build strong local economies and address the urgent challenges of climate change
· £560m over four years to 14/15 - £350m revenue & £210m capital
· Aims to fund lots of Local Authorities and fund projects that work
Themes & Projects
Low Carbon Commuting
· Area Travel Plans
· Business Travel
· Key Commuter Routes
Active & Sustainable Communities
· Vibrant Streets
· Rural Hubs & Links
· Key Centres
Transitions to Low Carbon Lifestyles
· Moving to Secondary School
· Preparing for Adulthood
· University
· New Developments
Key Component
· Focused on distinct elements within Key Commuter Routes project
· Delivered largely in 2011/12 – 12/13
· £5m funding approved - £750,000 for B&NES
Major Bid
· Department for Transport (DfT) has shortlisted the West of England to submit a major bid
· Another £25m for the West of England ~ £3.5m for B&NES
The Transportation Planning Manager then led the Panel through some more detailed slides relating to the three themes.
Low Carbon Commuting
· 89% of West of England residents also work in the area.
· It is an opportunity to embed sustainable travel as a way of life.
· Investment has already been made in projects such as the Greater Bristol Bus Network (GBBN)
· The West of England Sustainable Transport (WEST) project will allow us to ‘lock in’ the benefits through stepping up the extent and pace of change towards sustainable travel.
Active & Sustainable Communities
· Rebalancing communities so they are healthier with stronger local economies
· Removing both physical and psychological barriers to movement.
· Increasing the sense of place, stimulate confidence in moving safely around local areas by sustainable means.
Transitions to Low Carbon Lifestyles
· When people have to consciously consider their travel options they are more amenable to change than when habit is entrenched.
· A focus on these transition events is consistent throughout WEST but additionally we have identified four ‘life points’ that we believe each merit a specific project of their own.
The Chairman asked if there was a timeline for the Major Bid.
The Group Manager for Planning Policy & Transport replied that the bid was due to be delivered in mid-December and that a decision was expected from the DfT in June 2012.
The Chairman asked if the Council had contacted any local employers in relation to ‘Low Carbon Lifestyles’.
The Group Manager for Planning Policy & Transport replied that it had been pro-active in the recent work of the Royal United Hospital and was in current discussions with Rotork to help them find some solutions.
Councillor Geoff Ward commented that he felt that some of the current highway restrictions in place meant that traffic was simply queueing to get in and out of the City. He also asked if any study had been carried out to assess if the restrictions were good for businesses.
The Transportation Planning Manager replied that he was not aware of any such study.
Councillor Douglas Nicol commented that he felt education was the key to any future successes. He asked if any consideration had been given to the night-time economy, i.e. late night buses.
The Transportation Planning Manager replied that they had not particularly considered that aspect yet.
Councillor Neil Butters asked if they had considered any rail based initiatives.
The Group Manager for Planning Policy & Transport replied that the Fund could not be used for rail initiatives, but could be used to enhance links to railway stations and aid accessibility.
Councillor Caroline Roberts asked if the Council still had a Business Travel / Public Transport Group that met.
The Transportation Planning Manager replied that yes the group meets quarterly.
Councillor Caroline Roberts asked for a little further information on the planned bus route improvements.
The Transportation Planning Manager replied that a real time information system was to be installed alongside extra shelters. He added that crossing facilities near to bus stops were to be introduced and there were to be further supported services to Peasedown St John.
Councillor David Martin asked what the current status of the Civitas programme was.
The Group Manager for Planning Policy & Transport replied that the programme was winding down and is due to be completed by September 2012. He added that he hoped to build on the success of the current programme and that an evaluation of it would commence in the very near future.
Councillor David Martin commented that the Council faces some very challenging CO2 figures in the future and welcomed any initiatives that would help in that respect.
Councillor Douglas Nicol asked if the Fund could be used to enhance the frequency and reduce the cost of bus travel between Bath and Midsomer Norton / Radstock.
The Group Manager for Planning Policy & Transport replied that officers could have a look at that proposal.
The Chairman thanked the officers for their presentation on behalf of the Panel.