Agenda item

Report of the Director of the Built Environment

The Sub-Committee considered a report of the Director of the Built Environment seeking Members’ authority to implement two-way zero emission restrictions along Beech Street under an Experimental Traffic Order, with options for consideration, and informing Members of work and findings to date, risks and next steps.

The Chairman introduced the item, a ground-breaking scheme to address important concerns and unacceptable levels of pollution in the vicinity, before drawing Members’ attention to the key points and reiterating that the interim scheme was an experiment that would provide further opportunities for monitoring and consultation.

In response to questions from Members, the Director of the Built Environment advised the Sub-Committee on modelling and monitoring of nitrogen dioxide levels in the area and the consultation that would be undertaken, also clarifying points on the project funding and traffic modelling. The Sub-Committee was assured that the interim scheme would be designed in a way that could accommodate roadworks and emergencies.

Members were very supportive of the project and proceeded to discuss the options for the interim scheme. A detailed case for supporting Option 2 was made by a Member, on the basis that it would enact less behavioural change, would reduce the chances of misdirected penalty charges, and was less open to manipulation, whereas Option 1 would require a more extensive white list and would force longer journey times. The Sub-Committee also noted that the Barbican Centre was supportive of Option 2.

The Director of the Built Environment advised the Sub-Committee that both options would be effective, and that Option 1 had been recommended largely based on ease of enforcement. The options were marginal in terms of benefit, cost or implications and officers were happy to be guided by the Sub-Committee’s preference.

Arising from the discussion, the recommendations were put to vote amongst eligible Members, who voted unanimously in favour of proceeding with the project, and then in favour of approving Option 2 as the interim scheme.

RESOLVED – That the Streets & Walkways Sub-Committee:

Subject to the scheme receiving TMAN approval from TfL and the Director of the Built Environment, in consultation with the Chairman, deciding to proceed with the making of the ETO as set out:

1. Approve Option 2 as the Interim Scheme;

2. Delegate authority to the Director of the Built Environment to enter into a Section 8 agreement with Islington Council for implementing works on Islington streets, e.g. signage and traffic mitigation measures;

3. Approve a sum of £1,119,183 as the implementation budget for the Interim Scheme, funded from within the existing budget of £1,745,362;

4. Delegate authority to the Director of the Built Environment, in consultation with the Chamberlain, to make any adjustments between elements of the approved budget, provided the total approved budget of £1,745,362 is not exceeded;

5. Agree to provide funding to Islington Council at an estimated cost of £80,000 funded from within the existing budget;

6. Delegate to the Director of the Built Environment, in consultation with the Chamberlain, to vary the cost of the Islington contribution, subject to the total approved budget of £1,745,362 not being exceeded;

7. Note that GLA funding of £91,000 that has been secured for the project; and

8. Note work and findings to date as detailed in Appendix 4.