Agenda item

Report of the Town Clerk.

The Committee received the current list of outstanding actions.

Noise Pollution from the London Underground

The Port Health and Public Protection Director advised that City Corporation officers were looking into obtaining funding for a study on what type of remedial measures could be introduced to alleviate noise pollution for residents.

A Member commented that a TfL representative had invited Barbican residents to a meeting on 6 June to discuss this issue.

Impact of Brexit

The Director of Port Health and Public Protection explained that the Department was working closely with the Remembrancer on engaging with government; and a recent meeting had taken place with the Clerk to the Committee on Exiting the European Union. In response to a Member’s request for reassurance that the City Corporation’s plans are in line with the rest of the UK,the Director of Port Health and Public Protection noted that the Department continues to liaise with the Port of Rotterdam to ensure plans are co-ordinated with them and the City Corporation were hosting meetings of the Government’s Cross Borders Delivery Group. It was added that a physical presence could be required for food inspection at the borders, as opposed to simply using technology. A full report would be coming to Committee in July 2018 as previously noted.

Electric Vehicle Charging Points

The Director of Transportation and Public Realm confirmed that the installation of the taxi charging points remained on target for both Noble Street in June 2018 and at Baynard House at the end of the calendar year and TfL were now more engaged with the process. In response to a Member’s query, it was confirmed that the charging points at both sites were intended to be used solely by taxis.

Members asked that consideration be given to those driving through the Square Mile who may need to charge their cars and perhaps a charging point could be provided at an additional location. Discussion took place as to whether a charging point could be installed within Liverpool Street Station.

In response to the points raised, the Director of Transportation and Public Realm confirmed that the provision of charging points would be considered as part of the Transport Strategy which would be out for consultation this year and adopted in Spring 2019. It was noted that Members would like action on this matter sooner, however the Director explained that charging points were expensive and were funded by TfL, furthermore the Strategy would need to strike a balance between reducing congestion whilst providing opportunities for drivers to charge their vehicles.

In response to a Member’s query, the Director of Markets and Consumer Protection confirmed that those using the charging points could pay by card and the fee for the charge of a full battery would be around £3 to £5 which was cheaper than a full tank of fuel.

S101 Agreements

The Chairman advised that the S.101 Agreements with LB Southwark had been signed and sealed by the City Corporation and the Comptroller and City Solicitor’s Department were awaiting confirmation from Southwark once they had also signed and sealed the documents.