Agenda item

This report will be considered by the following Committees – Port Health and Environmental Services Committee – 18 November 2014, Health and Well Being Board – 28 November 2014, Policy and Resources Committee - 11 December 2014 and Planning and Transportation Committee – 13 January 2015

The Sub Committee received a report of the Director of the Built Environment which considered the adoption of a policy to enable the safe management of footpaths and the street environment in a proportionate manner.

The Sub Committee were invited to comment on the report which would be received by the Port Health and Environmental Services Committee, the Policy and Resources Committee, the Health and Well Being Board and finally considered by the Planning and Transportation Committee for decision.  Members noted that the comments made by each of the Committees/Board would be included in the final report to the Planning and Transportation Committee.

The Sub Committee commented on the report as follows –

·         City of London Footway Guidance Note (Appendix 2) – The Sub Committee sought clarification regarding the stated minimum unobstructed footway width of 2m and whether this width would be sufficient in relation to the flow of pedestrians, especially during peak times.

·         A co-ordinated approach needed to be taken and consideration given to the Street Trading Policy and Tables and Chairs Policy.

·         Consideration should be given to users with disabilities and other obstacles that were necessary for the safety and health of the City.

·         Businesses should be encouraged to advertise through social media/e-mail and other electronic methods.

·         The Comptroller and City Solicitor agreed to further investigate the matter of liability.

The Sub Committee considered it would be useful to have a clear Licensing Policy in place and were informed that this would form part of a separate piece of work.

The Sub Committee discussed the obstruction caused by A-Boards, particularly when these were placed close to tube station entrances/exits and suggested a restriction ought to be placed on this.  The Transportation and Public Realm Director agreed to reconsider as to whether there was a more simplified methodology for the use of an A-Board and this would be reported back in an update to a future meeting. It was noted that the Comptroller and City Solicitor had advised that licensing could only be considered appropriate if ‘A’ boards were considered to be a public amenity or for public benefit. Officers did not consider this to be the case in relations to advertising boards and therefore licences would not apply to such ‘A’ Boards. 

The Sub Committee requested that the matter of obstructions on the public highway be revisited on a regular basis given the ever increasing footfall in the City.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted and the comments made submitted to the Planning and Transportation Committee.