Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Alderman Ian David Luder, Paul Martinelli and Oliver Sells.

There were no declarations of interest.

To agree the public minutes and summary of the meeting held on 7 March 2023.

RESOLVED, That the public minutes of the meeting of 7 March 2023 be approved as an accurate record of the proceedings subject to Ian Seaton being marked as present.

Matters Arising

In response to a Member’s questions, an Officer stated that the letter from the Policy Chairman regarding changes to bus routes had been sent to TfL and a response had not yet been received. Also, representations had been made to TfL about the relocation of the bus stop at the end of London Bridge on King William Street.

Report of the Executive Director, Environment.

The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director, Environment which updated Members on the progress of the review and set out the findings of the review work to date.

In response to a question from the Chairman, an Officer stated that the findings indicated that there was no clear transport need for a change, over and above the scheme that was currently being constructed. There was, however, a justification to ascertain whether potential relaxations to the allowable traffic mix at the junction would impact positively upon different protected characteristic groups.

The Chairman asked Officers to comment on the three options. An Officer advised that Option B (an experimental traffic order) would present the same challenges as Option A (making a permanent change) as many of the same TfL processes would be required for approval. However, if TfL were content with the evidence provided, Option B would offer the opportunity to observe the option in action and take a decision on whether it worked from a traffic perspective. It would also show how the option worked in relation to other elements of the project objectives e.g., feelings of safety and security and users’ experiences of the area. An Officer stated that Option A had the most risk and therefore had the highest risk of not gaining approval from TfL.

Members asked questions about costs, officer time and other resources used to date. An Officer stated that to February 2023, approximately £125,000 had been spent. Since then, there had been further staff time spent on the work. To continue with the work, more data collection would be required than expected. The work was costing more than anticipated when costed in 2021, and the project no longer had sufficient funding.

In response to a Member’s questions, an Officer stated that prior to

Report of the Executive Director, Environment.

The Sub-Committee received a report of the Executive Director, Environmentwhich updated the Sub-Committee on the engagement carried out to date for the review, along with the suggested amendments to the Transport Strategy proposals.

Members were informed that Officers had identified which proposals required significant change and which ones required minor change. The Officer stated that most of the proposals would remain the same.

A Member asked about the impact on equalities of the granting of pavement licences as this could make moving around the City difficult for some people with disabilities. An Officer stated that work was taking place with the Licensing team to ensure the environment was more inclusive.

Members raised concerns about the use of the words “wheel” and “wheeling” in the document when referring to mobility aids as this could be misinterpreted and inadvertently encourage skateboarding and e-scooters.  An Officer stated that disability groups had undertaken work on inclusive language, and these were preferred terms that were gradually being adopted by industry practitioners.

In response to a Member’s question about the list of modes of transport outlined in the appendix, an Officer stated that those walking, cycling and wheeling were prioritised with motorised vehicles considered after that. Different streets had different priorities depending on needs e.g., some had a greater need for taxis or freight deliveries.

The Chairman queried whether pedal bikes should be grouped together with e-scooters and e-bikes. He stated that pedal bikes were operationally zero carbon and using them was good exercise whereas e-scooters and e-bikes had higher levels of embedded carbon, operational carbon and did not provide the same level of exercise. An Officer stated that whilst pedal cycles were the most sustainable and active method of using wheels, e-bikes and e-scooters were enabling a wider range of people to start cycling.

Report of the Executive Director, Environment.

The Sub Committee considered a Gateway 5 report of the Executive Director, Environment which sought authority to permanently implement the traffic measures at Cheapside and Old Broad Street/Threadneedle Street.

An Officer stated that the report set out the results of the experimental traffic orders, the traffic data collision date and the result of the public consultation. Members were informed that the experimental traffic orders expired in July 2023 and therefore a decision was required on whether to make the traffic orders permanent. There was also a recommendation to undertake further analysis of taxi movements and an assessment of the Cheapside restriction and a potential experimental traffic order at that location following the assessment. Members were informed that the report set out the funding strategy for the various options.

In response to the Chairman’s questions about introducing taxis on Cheapside, an Officer stated that when comparing 2019 data and late 2022 data, traffic numbers had declined by approximately 25% across the City. Along the section of Cheapside between Queen Street, King Street and Bread Street, traffic volumes were almost nil. The traffic in the next closest set of streets – King Street, Queen Street and Poultry, had declined by 60%.  Feedback from the consultation, from Members and from the Business Alliance was that taxis were now less available along Cheapside, and this was supported by data. The Officer advised that relaxing the current restriction only permitting buses and cycles through, to add taxis, would need to forecast taxi volumes that would use the route if permitted. Currently delivery vehicles made a three-point turn to the east of the restriction. There had not been any collisions reported since the restriction was introduced as the sight lines were good. However, if traffic volumes increased, this might not remain the case and therefore assessment

Report of the Executive Director, Environment.

An Officer advised the Sub-Committee that Members had approved a Gateway 3 report in September 2022 which approved the taking forward of three highway layout options for further testing and assessment. He stated that since then, extensive traffic modelling had been undertaken with TfL on the three options; an engagement exercise had been undertaken with over 2,500 responses received, including key stakeholders in the project area such as St Bartholomew’s Hospital and 81 Newgate Street; cost estimation had taken place and internal funding had been secured for the project.

The Chairman advised Members that there was a non-public appendix to the report. The Chairman also stated that the conceptual proposals for the new public space at the southern end of King Edward Street would be subject to further scrutiny and there was scope for the design to change following this scrutiny.

In response to a Member’s question, an Officer advised that decision points were being accelerated where possible, with the report being considered at the June Court of Common Council rather than the July meeting as previously scheduled.

In response to a Member’s comment that TfL support would be required and a question about whether discussions had taken place with TfL, the Officer advised that discussions had taken place with both TFL Buses, and TfL’s Network Performance Team who were overseeing the traffic modelling. The preliminary modelling results were positive. Out of the three options, Option 1 performed the best as it removed the signalised junction at the southern end of the King Edward Street and the junction of Newgate Street. The Officer advised that overall Option 1 performed well in terms of bus journey times at this stage of its development for such a large-scale change. The Officer stated that TfL could see the gains for cyclists, pedestrians and

Report of the Executive Director, Environment.

The Sub-Committee considered a report of the Executive Director, Environment which provided an update on the design of Area B and sought approval to implement the scheme following the approval of the Gateway 4c-5 report for Area A approved in July 2022.

A Member raised concern that fewer trees were now proposed than previously. Although it was understood that this was due to services underground preventing trees from being planted, there had been a lack of expectation management which meant residents had been disappointed. The Member also stated there were ongoing concerns about the Clean Air Garden and stated the importance of the planning application being agreed with residents. She stated that investigation into the location of trees should have been undertaken earlier in the project with expectations managed from the outset. An Officer stated that the original scheme had been through the approvals process in 2011 before changes in project management were introduced. Groundwork surveys were now undertaken before any proposals were mapped out with ground radar surveys undertaken or trial holes dug, where appropriate. An Officer stated that there was now a more joined up approach with three departments having been brought together as one division. As much greening as possible was being undertaken with planters and other forms of greening.

A Member commented on it being difficult to put trees in the City of London with the rail network underneath and suggested that vertical greening could be used. The Chairman advised that this was a Planning matter.

In response to a Member’s question about the 2011 proposal including stakes in the ground with a framework on which plants could climb, an Officer stated that they would look into this.

RESOLVED - That Members of the Streets and Walkways Sub Committee:

1. Approve in principle the design as

Report of the Executive Director, Environment.

The Sub-Committee considered a report of the Executive Director, Environment which set out a proposal to consult on a Healthy Streets Plan (HSP) for the Liverpool Street area.

RESOLVED - That the Sub-Committee

1.         Approve the draft Healthy Streets Plan for public consultation.

2.         Approve an allocation of £15,000 for fees to undertake the public consultation exercise, as described in the Issues Report - Crossrail Liverpool Street Urban Integration (Phase 2) also part of this Committee’s agenda.

3.         Delegate authority to the Director of City Operations, in consultation with the Chairman of the Streets and Walkways Sub-Committee, to approve the (non-statutory) public consultation content and then proceed with the consultation.

Report of the Executive Director, Environment.

The Sub-Committee considered a report of the Executive Director, Environment which sought approval for a change in scope for this project to fund and undertake a public consultation exercise for the Liverpool Street area Healthy Streets Plan.

RESOLVED – That the Sub-Committee

1. Note and approve the contents of the report;

2. Approve a change in scope for this project to fund and undertake a public consultation exercise for the Liverpool Street area Healthy Streets Plan.

Report of the Executive Director, Environment.

The Sub-Committee considered a Gateway 6 Outcome report which updated Members on the project.

A Member welcomed the opening of the new entrance but asked for reassurance from TfL that the entrance would remain open and funded for long term access.  Concern was raised that the Walbrook Entrance was often only partly opened. An Officer confirmed that this would be discussed with TfL as would the concerns a Member had raised about lifts not being in operation at weekends. A Member stated that there should be accessibility to lifts and entrances at weekends especially when events were being held. She suggested that a timetable of events be shared to improve connectivity with TfL and the Mayor of London around large events in the City.

RESOLVED – That the Sub-Committee

1.     Approve the content of this outcome report;

2. Approve that the final account be undertaken;

3. Authorise the Chamberlain’s department to return unspent funds to Transport for London (the Developer) as set out in the respective legal agreement (subject to the verification of the final account) including any further subsequent refunds returned to the City by third parties; and

4.  Agree to close the project.

Report of the Interim Director of Communications and External Affairs.

The Sub-Committee considered a report of the Interim Director of Communications and External Affairs which set out the work that had taken place to respond to Member requests to prioritise sport engagement and develop a strategy to guide this work over the medium term.

In response to Members’ questions, an Officer advised that high quality, well-organised, high-profile events were being sought. These might increase the total number of events but not in a substantial way. It was important not to have events on consecutive weekends in the same areas and to support events which would bring in crowds, help promote the City and use landmark spaces in the City. These events would be subject to the approval processes.

A Member stated that the Sports Strategy could encourage major sporting events. It could also encourage residents, workers and visitors to use the City for physical recreation.

A Member stated the importance of not landscaping all streets in order to keep some multi-functional space which could be used for sports courts and pop-up sporting events. She stated that events should take place over the weekends as well as during the week as many residents would be working during the week and could only participate at weekends.

RESOLVED – That the Sub-Committee note the report.

Report of the Town Clerk.

Dockless Vehicles

An Officer stated that there would be an update report to the July Sub-Committee. He also stated that he and the Chairman would be meeting with Lime, one of the operators. Members had individually been invited by Lime to meet with them and a Member requested that Officers arrange a hybrid meeting for all Members.

Beech Street

An Officer stated that a report would be submitted to the July Sub-Committee meeting. In response to the Chairman’s question about the suggestion of the designation of Golden Lane as a School Street, an Officer stated that discussions with Islington Council were ongoing in relation to the area-wide approach and Golden Lane was part of this. The Officer considered it to be unlikely that Golden Lane would be designated as a School Street. However, discussions on this would continue.

A Member stated that Fann Street had been resurfaced with stone and tree pit surrounds which had been viewed as trip hazards and had therefore been increased in size. However, this had the unintended result of being used by skateboarders. She stated the importance of speaking to local residents about their views about what would and would not work at the start of a project in a residential area rather than assuming what would work. An Officer confirmed that this would be reported to the relevant team. He also stated that the reason consultation and engagement was undertaken, was schemes were better when they were informed by people who used the streets and understood the area.

A Member commented that Aldgate Square required maintenance. An Officer stated that he would raise this with City Gardens.

A Member stated the importance of consulting the right people before going to third party architects to design a scheme.

In response to questions about trees, an Officer stated that 40-50 trees were being planted across the City.

Members agreed to extend the meeting in line with Standing Order 40.

A Member raised concern about graffiti on the pavilion at Aldgate and also across the City. An Officer advised that it was the responsibility of the building owner and the Corporation would only remove graffiti at the request of a building owner. The pavilion was owner by the City Surveyors Department and he would report the matter to them. The Officer also stated that graffiti was a matter for Port Health and Environmental Services.

There were no urgent items.

MOTION – That under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part I of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act as follows -

RESOLVED – That under Section 100(A) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part I of the Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act.

RESOLVED – That the non-public appendix be noted.

There were no non-public questions.

There was no urgent business to be considered in the non-public session.