Agenda item

To consider proposals relating to a Pedestrian Priority Programme.

PLANNING AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE

(Deputy Alastair Michael Moss)

1 June 2021

Pedestrian Priority Programme

It was proposed that approval be granted for the Pedestrian Priority Programme, a three-year programme implementing pedestrian priority and pavement widening schemes and projects across the Square Mile intended to enhance the comfort and safety of people walking.

The Chair spoke to introduce the report, outlining the intentions of the programme and referring to the consultation processes that would be undertaken.

Whilst expressing support for the broader proposals, several Members urged that licensed Hackney carriages should enjoy an exemption from the proposed restrictions. In response to related queries, the Chair confirmed that it would be possible to separate exemptions for Hackney carriages from other taxis and noted Members’ observations about the environmentally-friendly nature of the black cab-fleet and the robust safety record of licensed Hackney Carriage Drivers. He reflected on his regular engagement with the Licensed Taxi Drivers Association (LTDA) and cognisance of the strengths of their fleet, in both environmental and safety terms, whilst recognising the concerns of businesses in some parts of the City concerning the difficulty of being dropped-off or hailing a taxi due to transit restrictions.

A number of Members also advocated for the ability of taxis to travel more freely around the City generally, including the unfettered use of bus lanes, observing that the current restrictions required taxis to make potentially unsafe “u-turns” in some areas and that black cabs. It was also noted that they were of fundamental importance from an accessibility perspective, as well as in terms of providing a safe alternative method of travel for those in need.

The importance of policing of any new pedestrianisation schemes was also highlighted, with a Member referencing recent examples of interactions with electric scooters which had caused safety concerns or difficulties for pedestrians.

The Chair reassured the Court that the proposed approach would be an iterative process, through which he was entirely committed to meaningful and robust engagement. He expressed his willingness to engage on site-by-site level, including on the question of exemptions for Hackney carriages, both with Ward Members and through the wider consultation processes articulated in the report, reminding Members of the many instances in which many arrangements had been reversed or adapted in recent times in direct response to feedback. He also undertook to keep the Court fully informed of developments as the programme was progressed.

Resolved – That –

1.     The Pedestrian Priority Programme be approved for progression.

2.     All future decisions on the projects be delegated to the Streets & Walkways Sub-Committee and Projects Sub Committee.

3.     The total estimated cost of the overall programme be noted at £6-8 million (excluding risk); including a total estimated cost of Year 1 of the programme of £2.5-£3.2million, with funding for the overall programme granted through the 2021/22 Capital Bid.