Agenda item

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 was required.

In response to a Member’s question, the Officer stated that the way the highway was currently built out on both sides would remain the case if Option 2 was progressed, with planting and seating on both sides. Option 2 was more expensive than Option 1 due to the challenges presented by the underground utilities. Option 1 was less expensive as it floated and sat around the utilities.

A Member commented that any work should be undertaken to the usual standards and landscaping and seating so that it was built to last. She stated that would improve rents in the area and encourage people to utilise the space.

A Member asked if Cheapside could still be used for sports events and an Officer stated that there would be a 5 metre carriage way which would mean events could still be held.

In response to a Member’s question about the funding strategy, an Officer stated that the schemes would be funded by OSPR and also Climate Change Action Strategy funding. A Member commented on the importance of having a separate maintenance fund.

A Member suggested that the Cheapside Business Improvement District (BID) had funding to activate space and could be asked to contribute. Members were informed that Officers had met with the BID’s steering group and presented options and Option 2 was the preferred option.

A Member raised concern that the options were being presented before funding had been obtained and asked what would happen to the King William Street work if the work did not take place. The Officer stated that if this happened,  Option 1 and 2 would have to be scaled back. The project management system would be used to manage the programmes and more work would be undertaken to better understand the costs and mitigate these where necessary.

A Member suggested that any approval should be in principle, subject to the funding being approved. An Officer stated that the experimental traffic orders would expire in July 2023 and if not approved, there would be no traffic order in place after this time.

RESOLVED – That the Sub-Committee

1.     Approve the progression of Option 1 to make the experimental traffic measures permanent on: a) Cheapside (point restriction except for buses and cycles + priority give-way arrangement); b) Initiate a further traffic experiment at the same location on Cheapside to assess the impacts of taxis being exempted from the restriction; c) Old Broad Street (one-way northbound with contra-flow cycle lane) and Threadneedle Street (one way westbound with contra-flow cycle lane), subject to the two schemes, Cheapside and Old Broad Street/Threadneedle Street receiving approval from TfL and noting the objections to the statutory consultation;

2. Approve the initiation of an experimental traffic order at the Cheapside location, following a safety assessment, exempting taxis from the point restriction, and delegate authority to the Executive Director Environment to make any necessary traffic orders;
3. Note that a funding strategy was being prepared to deliver the appropriate scheme outcomes for the best value;
4. Note that a capital bid of £2m was to be prepared to fund the maintenance elements of the King William Street corridor scheme;
5. Delegate authority to the Executive Director Environment, in consultation with the Chamberlain, to make any further adjustments (above existing authority within the project procedures) between elements of the budget.