Agenda item

Road Safety – Bank Junction

Deputy Richard Regan asked a question of the Chairman of the Planning and Transportation Committee concerning the safety of road users, particularly at Bank Junction.

In response, the Chairman agreed to report back in six months’ time as to the steps being taken to improve road safety throughout the City, including at Bank Junction. He also provided a brief summary of the current position in respect of Bank Junction.

Responding to a supplementary question from Deputy Regan, the Chairman agreed to pursue a pan-London approach to achieve improvements, working with bodies such as Transport for London. In addition, the City Corporation would also redouble its efforts in improving and increasing the efficacy of its Road Danger Reduction Plan.

Following a question from Brian Mooney, the Chairman advised that the possibility of a “shared space” approach would be explored as part of the options being looked at for the redevelopment of Bank Junction.

Impact of the 20mph Speed Limit

Hugh Morrisasked a question of the Chairman of the Planning and Transportation Committee seeking clarityas to the impact of the introduction of the twenty miles per hour speed limit in the City.

In response, the Chairman expressed his regret that the number of casualties had continued to increase since the reduction in the speed limit. He noted that the speed limit was only one part of the City’s Road Danger Reduction Plan and reiterated the need for the City to look again at this Plan to expedite improvement. He also took the opportunity to clarify that no effect on air quality had been anticipated as likely to result from the speed limit change.

Replying to a supplementary question from Hugh Morris the Chairman agreed that consideration would, as part of the review process, be given to the separation of cyclists and heavy goods vehicles, be that through the creation of separate travel spaces or through preventing use of the same areas at the same time. He also reminded Members that all vehicles over 7.5 tonnes were already prohibited from driving through the City unless they had specific access requirements, with these vehicles also having to conform to the highest safety standards and with all drivers needing to demonstrate they had been trained to a high quality. The ability of the City Corporation to review construction management plans would also help allow it to determine the routes and timings of heavy goods vehicles.

The Chairman also reassured the Court that any actions taken would strike an appropriate balance between ensuring the safety of road users whilst also ensuring the needs of City businesses were met, following a query from Deputy Alex Deane.

In reply to questions from Deputy Stanley Ginsburg and Alex Bain-Stewart, the Chairman clarified that the decrease in speed limit had been introduced for a number of reasons, not simply a reduction in casualties. He also noted that the positive effects of the decrease would take some time to take effect, as their efficacy would require behavioural change from road users which was likely to take time to embed.

Oak Processionary Moth

Graeme Smith asked a question of the Chairman of the Open Spaces and City Gardens Committee concerning the impact of Oak Processionary Moths on the City’s open spaces.

In response, the Chairman outlined the impact of outbreaks of these moths, both to trees and to public health, and the steps being taken to tackle and raise awareness of the issue. The Chairman also noted that the Chamberlain had agreed to consider a request for additional funding from central contingencies to tackle outbreaks, should the problem grow.

Short-term sub-letting in the Barbican Estate

Vivienne Littlechild asked a question of the Chairman of the Barbican Residential Committee concerning the issue of short-term sub-letting within the Barbican Estate.

In response, the Chairman noted the concerns and advised of the steps which had been taken to date in addressing this issue, stressing the need for a holistic approach. A full report setting out the legal position and proposals to address the concerns raised was currently being developed and would be submitted to the Committee in September.

In response to a supplementary question from Vivienne Littlechild, the Chairman recognised concerns about security and access to the private gardens, but noted the difficulties in distinguishing between friends or relatives of residents who were legitimately using the space, different types of short-term residents, and those who had gained illegitimate access.

Replying to a further question from Deputy Alex Deane, the Chairman also noted that there would be a spectrum of opinion as to this matter across the Estate, with some keen to pursue such short-term letting options further; he consequently reiterated his assessment that a considered and holistic approach would therefore be required.

Following two further questions from David Bradshaw and Deputy John Tomlinson concerning the possibility of taking enforcement action in respect of provisions contained within leases being breached, the Chairman advised that it would be important to be clear as to the legal position and subsequent possibilities; these would be explored fully within the report to the Committee’s September meeting.