Agenda item

To consider an update and Project Schedule for the emerging Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan.

The Committee considered a timetable, set out in agenda pages 51 to 52, which set out the timescales for the development of the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP).

Paul Fishwick (Executive Member for Active Travel, Transport and Highways), and Andy Glencross (Assistant Director for Highways and Transport) attended the meeting to answer member queries.

During the ensuing discussion, members raised the following points and queries:

·         It was noted that it would be helpful for the Committee to receive a further update in November 2022.

·         Could dates and metrics be included within the project plan with regards to actual delivery of infrastructure, and could some projects such as safe railway crossings which would be required regardless of the final shape of the plan be noted within the plan with dates for delivery. Executive Member response – This was a very high priority, and active travel England required an LCWIP, with a report to be produced in October 2022. The Borough had been awarded funding for the Woodley to Reading route, which would be consulted on in July after the previous proposal gathered significant objections. This year would see the start of a compliant LTN 1/20 between Woodley and Reading.

·         Adrian Betteridge, Wokingham Active Travel, provided a number of comments to the Committee. Community views had been listened to and taken on board, both in terms of help with local knowledge of routes and how this was to be positioned with the local public. It was crucially important to sell this to the public as they might otherwise only see the large costs, road vehicle space being given up to cyclists, and temporary disruption. The major benefits of the LCWIP included tackling climate change, air quality, health and wellbeing and congestion. If these priorities were not focussed on, people would likely only focus on the disruptions caused and not the benefits. The target of five-times the number of cyclists in the Borough by 2030, as set out in the climate emergency action plan, would not be met unless the LCWIP was progressed from a funding and delivery point of view.

·         When will the proposed consultation and wording be shared with the Woodley Borough and Town councillors? Executive Member response – This would be shared very shortly, hopefully by the coming weekend.

·         Had any further investigations been made with regards to the proposed removal of a number of car parking spaces within Woodley, which were used by low income and elderly residents? Executive Member response – A plan would be finalised and communicated prior to this coming weekend.

·         Would a more detailed plan and report be presented to the Committee in November? Executive Member response – The original first draft plan was sent out for consultation last year, and responses were being evaluated to inform on a second stage of consultation later this month. More detail would be provided at future meetings.

·         Was the consultation regarding a cycle route from Loddon Park to Twyford station part of the LCWIP? Executive Member and Officer response – This was a levelling up fund bid which was also included within the LCWIP, which had the support of Theresa May MP whilst a petition was being arranged by residents to support this proposal. This was a long-term aspiration of the Council to have a cross valley route to link Woodley to Twyford station.

·         Would it be ensured that schools were engaged and consulted with? Executive Member response – It would be ensured that schools were thoroughly consulted with.

RESOLVED That:

1)      Paul Fishwick, Andy Glencross and Adrian Betteridge be thanked for attending the meeting;

2)      An update be taken to the Committee in November 2022;

3)      It be ensured that schools were thoroughly consulted on the emerging LCWIP.