Agenda item

Joint report of the Director of the Built Environment and Director of Markets and Consumer Protection.

The Committee considered a joint report of the Director of Built Environment and Director of Markets and Consumer Protection which updated the Committee on progress to date on delivering an Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) Only scheme in Moor Lane and Beech Street and asked for support on proposals to deliver Moor Lane as the ULEV Only scheme and to reduce traffic in Beech Street. The Director of Port Health and Public Protection explained that it was intended to use Moor Lane as a pilot scheme which would inform the proposals for Beech Street.

A Member noted that London Wall Place and offices within this area would use Moor Lane for deliveries which would create pollution and asked whether this issue had been given consideration. The Director of Markets and Consumer Protection explained that officers had been working with business within the area, citing City Point and Linklaters as examples, to measure the number of deliveries and solutions included the installation of vehicle charging points at Linklaters, encouraging suppliers to use electric vehicles, and conducting feasibility studies on traffic routing. In response, a Member commented that this would not address the issue of air quality for the residential properties near London Wall Place.

Members noted their disappointment on the lack of proposals to address air pollution at Beech Street until 2021 and asked that timelines be re-considered, particularly since the Committee had previously rejected the recommendations contained within the report before Members. The Director of Transportation and Public Realm explained that whilst officers could not deliver Beech Street as part of the LEN project, discussions were taking place with neighbouring authorities and reports were being prepared for the Streets and Walkways Sub-Committee, Projects Sub-Committee and Policy and Resources addressing issues including traffic restrictions in Beech Street, the future of the Exhibition Halls, and waterproofing issues with the Barbican Estate.

A Member commented there were issues with idling eastbound traffic at Beech Street and queried why the proposed solutions permitted westbound traffic. In response the Director of Transportation and Public Realm explained that based on the modelling carried out, this was the most viable option.

Members asked that a briefing session be arranged to cover the results from the recent OpenFest event and to report on the traffic modelling that had taken place. The Director of Transportation and Public Realm agreed to provide a briefing session for members of this Committee and the Streets and Walkways Sub-Committee, and all Members would be invited. It was also agreed that an update report would be presented to the Committee in July 2018 to include information on Beech Street.

RESOLVED – That the Committee:

a)    agree that a Moor Lane ULEV Only scheme be delivered by April 2019 using LEN funding;

b)    agree that a further report should be presented back to Committee setting out the findings of the Moor Lane trial scheme following 12 months of its operation; and

c)    support in principle the proposals set out for reducing traffic in Beech Street and improving the air quality.