Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Dennis Cotgrove, Alderman Alison Gowman, Oliver Lodge, Barbara Newman and Deputy John Owen-Ward.

There were no declarations of interest.

To agree the public minutes and summary of the meeting held on 17 June 2013.

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting held on 17 June 2013 be approved as a correct record.

MATTERS ARISING

Beating the Bounds – Members were informed that approximately 300 people had signed up to the event so far, which was much less than expected and therefore it was likely that road closures would not be required.  Furthermore, the event would now start at 11am.  Officers agreed to provide a verbal update on the event at the November committee meeting.

Road Danger Reduction Plan in Shoe Lane, Stonecutter Street and Little New Street – Members noted that the Gateway 7 report would be submitted to the Committee in November.

Riverside Walk Millennium Bridge – Members were informed that work was being undertaken on the metal that had been found whilst drilling and a further update would be provided at the next meeting.

Report of the Director of the Built Environment.

A report of the Director of the Built Environment was considered regarding 72 Fore Street.

Members noted that 72 Fore Street was fully funded by the developer.

RESOLVED – That the phasing of the project to deliver improvements to the footways immediately adjoining the 72 Fore Street development site to coordinate with the building’s launch as Phase 1 of the project and evaluation/delivery of wider area improvements at a future date as Phase 2 of the project be approved.

Report of the Director of the Built Environment.

A report of the Director of the Built Environment was considered in respect of Ludgate Hill crossing review (30 Old Bailey).

In response to a question, Members were informed that recent research had shown that the hard barriers that were commonly used to separate pedestrians from vehicles had resulted in more serious collisions and injuries.  As a result of this research, most of the hard barriers had been removed.

During discussion, the following points were raised –

·        The previous proposal for a signalled crossing at the junction with Ave Maria Lane was found not to be feasible as the success of this option was dependent on the relocation of adjacent bus stops and servicing activity and this was not considered practical within the scope of this project.

·        A Member expressed concern that light pollution from the traffic signals might affect the illumination of St Paul’s Cathedral.

·        One Member considered there were issues caused as a result of tourist buses slowing down to allow their passengers to take photographs of St Paul’s.

·        Some Members considered that the trail should not take place, as traffic modelling had shown that signals would not be beneficial to the flow of traffic.

·        Transport for London were keen to pursue the trial to establish the reasons for the delays to buses.

·         One Member suggested that Transport for London might wish to fund the trial.

Members noted Officers support for the implementation of a 12 month trial of a signalled crossing.

RESOLVED – That,

a)     Option 1 be progressed on a trial basis for a period of 12 months provided that officers were successful in seeking funding from Transport for London, in order to allow Officers to monitor the performance of the signalised crossing and the results reported to Members in due course. 

b)     If funding was

Report of the Director of the Built Environment.

A report of the Director of the Built Environment was considered relative to the Fleet Building and Plumtree Court public realm and security improvements.

Further to a discussion, it was agreed that Officers would investigate whether the number of bollards could be reduced as part of the design development and report this back at Gateway 4.  Members were informed that discussion with the developers, Farringdon Street Partners Limited, would continue in respect of S106 and S278 arrangements.

RESOLVED – That,

a)     the proposed security and public realm design contained within the report (Appendix 2) and progression to the detailed design stage (Gateway 4) (implementation to be subject to the necessary Traffic Management Orders) be approved (the outcome of the investigation as to whether the number of bollards could be reduced to be reported at Gateway 4);

b)     the development of highways options for Shoe Lane, Stonecutter Street, St Andrews Street and Plumtree Court be approved; and

c)     the Comptroller and City Solicitor be authorised to enter into legal discussions, under Section 106 and Section 278 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1980, with Farringdon Street Partners Limited.

Road works and traffic congestion - Members were informed that the gas repair works being undertaken at London Wall were due to be completed by 7 November and daily progress reports were being received to ensure the project was not delayed any further. 

Bank Station – In response to a question, Members were informed that the traffic signals at Bank Station were being adjusted to improve traffic flow.  It was agreed that in the interest of safety, particularly as Bank was a busy junction, a note regarding cycling in the City would be published on the Corporation’s website.

20mph – It was confirmed that prohibited right turns were being reviewed as part of the 20mph project.  It was agreed that a briefing note regarding next steps and the position on Transport for London streets would be circulated to all Members.  The Committee were informed that it was anticipated the revised speed limit would come in to effect in June/July 2014.

It was agreed that the Streets and Walkways Sub Committee meeting on 2^nd June 2014 would be moved to 9^th June 2014.

MOTION – That under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part I of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act as follows:-

RESOLVED: That under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part I of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act.

To agree the non-public minutes of the meeting held on 17 June 2013.

RESOLVED – That the non-public minutes and summary of the meeting held on 17 June 2013 be approved.

There were no questions.

There were no items of urgent business.