Agenda item

The Sub-Committee considered a report regarding the objections to the associated proposals and additional mitigation measures for the North-South Cycle Superhighway which had been deferred from the last meeting to enable further discussions to be held with objectors and other interested parties.

The Chairman advised that she had accepted three additional written submissions which members had been given an opportunity to read before the start of the meeting.

The Director of the Built Environment reported that the City, together with representatives from TfL, had held a meeting with objectors and respondents to the consultations to discuss their concerns and to see if these could be addressed. Unfortunately, under TfL’s proposals, it had not been possible to resolve them although a better understanding of the concerns of those living and working in the Temple area had been achieved. The Comptroller and City Solicitor’s representative advised on the statutory criteria to be taken into consideration in reaching a view.

During the discussion a number of questions were raised including whether a full safety audit had been undertaken and made public, the alternatives to the closure of Tudor Street and the relocation of the bus-stop, the removal of the pay and display parking bays, pedestrian safety, the conflicting views of respective transport experts, emergency access and whether or not the scheme could be trialled first.

In response to a question asking what would happen if no decision was taken, the Town Clerk advised that the project would not go ahead and the work with TfL would need to begin again.

A Member proposed a motion that the Sub-Committee agree the proposals for a limited time only.

The motion was seconded and carried.

In response to a question concerning whether a recommendation to move the bus stop could also be included, the Director of the Built Environment advised that if the scheme worked successfully during the trial period then the bus stop would be in the correct location.

RESOLVEDthat:

a)            the making of experimental Traffic Orders for a period not exceeding 18 months under section 9 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, so that Tudor Street at its junction with New Bridge Street is closed to motor vehicles, Bridewell Place is returned to two way traffic and contra flow cycling is removed from Kingscote Street and Watergate be agreed;

b)           the making of the experimental Traffic Orders not exceeding 18 months under sections 9 of the Road  Traffic Regulation Act 1984 in relation to loading and waiting restrictions and provision of parking spaces, so as to implement the mitigation measures as detailed in Appendix 6 of the report be agreed;

c)            the objectors and Transport for London be informed of the decision accordingly; and

d)           officers be asked to obtain a written undertaking from Transport for London to monitor and fund, if necessary, further mitigation measures in the Tudor Street and Temple area.