Agenda item

Report of the Director of the Built Environment.

NB: This report has been considered by the Streets and Walkways Sub-Committee and the Planning and Transportation Committee.

The Committee considered a report of the Director of the Built Environment concerning major activities on the City’s highways in 2018.

Detailed discussion ensued during which, amongst other things, the following comments were made:-

·                A Member questioned whether road closures to accommodate development projects were always necessary and suggested that more innovative solutions should be identified which helped to minimise the adverse impact on traffic flow.

·                Reference was made to capacity on the highway and the space now utilised by cycle lanes.

·                It was noted that work was currently being undertaken to develop a comprehensive transport strategy which would address the concerns raised as well as proposals to create a Transport Commission.

·                The Port of London Authority was supportive of use being made of the river and therefore more thought should be given to transporting goods and other material via the river as this would help to reduce traffic congestion. Members acknowledged the scope for using the Walbrook site and its potential for assisting with future proposals on consolidation.

·                In answer to a question about the “for information” status of the report and the need for more Member involvement in the decision-making process particularly on road closures, the Committee was advised that responsibility for road closures had been delegated to the Director of the Built Environment. Nevertheless, the need for Member involvement was acknowledged. The Chairman of the Streets and Walkways Sub-Committee advised that he and the Deputy Chairman of the Sub-Committee would be content to provide relevant oversight and the Committee supported this.  

RESOLVED – That the report be noted and that support be given to the Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Streets and Walkways Sub-Committee providing Member sight with regard to road closures.