Agenda item

To consider the report of the Executive Director Environment.

The Committee considered the report of the Executive Director Environment.

A Member commented that there was merit in asking TfL to consider cutting some bus frequencies as a way of reducing costs and pollution that would keep more bus routes open.

Members pointed out a few inaccuracies on the bus route maps shown on pages 67-71 of the agenda pack, commenting also that routes serving St Bartholomew’s Hospital and Moorfields Hospital should be retained, and that there was a concerning lack of clarity and detail on the precise nature of the cuts set out in Appendix 2 (pages 73-78). Members commented on the need for continued access for disabled and/or elderly users, and on the need for suitable alternatives to the tube. Members also flagged up the wider social benefits of appropriate bus provision.

A Member asked whether affected hospitals had been contacted to ensure that they had been made aware of the proposed cuts, and the meeting heard that there was time for this to be undertaken given that the TfL consultation period had been extended.

Members noted the impact of proposed bus provision cuts on children attending the City of London School.

Members noted that the points raised above, including - in particular – suggestions around implementing changes in frequencies to services rather than outright cuts, would be submitted to the Planning & Transportation Committee.

Members noted that the local MP (Nickie Aiken) had launched a petition against the proposed cuts.   

RESOLVED, That the Committee

1.    Approve the proposed response to the consultation on proposed changes to bus routes, set out in paragraph 17;

2.    Delegate the final wording of the response to the Director of City Operations in consultation with the Chairmen and Deputy Chairmen of the Streets & Walkways Sub Committee and the Planning & Transportation Committee;

3.    Approve the proposed response to the consultation on proposed expansion of the ULEZ and future road user charging, set out in paragraphs 25 and 26; and

4.    Delegate the final wording of the response to the Director of City Operations in consultation with the Chairmen and Deputy Chairmen of the Streets & Walkways Sub Committee and the Planning & Transportation Committee and the Port Health and Environmental Services Committee.